So after 7+ years with the same design, I decided it was time to change the look and feel of this diary. I like abstract art and so, here it is on my entries. I think it represents me in that I am for the most part subtle, but also have flashes of energy. I hope you guys like it. (if not, well you could make suggestions) Plus, having the whole Jesus cross background was confusing some of you as I have put blistering critiques on Christianity and other religious concepts didn't go with the background. Well, I doubt I'll even be doing the whole religious critiques for a bit as I feel that its a subject that when debated, never really changes anyone's perspective.

Well, I'm graduating this quarter. (finally huh) Michelle is as well. I am curious as to the positions I could get with my psych degree. The economy is overcourse glum, but I believe persistent people can find what they are looking for. There are "some" jobs. Besides, no rush, we're doing ok with our income.

We may go to Las Vegas somewhere in Spring. Not to gamble, as one might expect (as you may recall, last time we went to Reno, we spent a total of $20 on gambling) rather, they have quite a wicked amusement style rides. *go to google and type in Stratosphere Insanity Ride or Stratosphere X Scream Ride* Those are 2 different rides. There are a number of other rides too, as well as several arcades. (yea, I never grew up) Michelle likes the mini replicas of the Eiffel tower, new york city and even the titanic they have there. They even have this thing where you can spend one-on-one time with dolphins. Plus, Wilbur, my lil bro's dad, lives there. May visit or stay with him, though I gave him the wrong advice on who to bet for on the Super Bowl.

Now that I'm done with college at the moment, I feel as though I should write some entry about what I've learned. Being that I took a load of psychobiological and neurological courses, some of the stuff can't really be concisely stated on a blog. (Who wants a detailed explanation of how voltage-gated potassium and sodium ion channels regulate action potentials!?) Yeah, didn't think so. Though it is the assumption of whoever I tell that I majored in psychology that I must not only know every reason people behave the way they do but must also act and think on some higher plane. (or they make some aside about how they need to be extra careful because I must be running some sort of experiment or analysis on them) Still, I have learned a few things. I think most of the stuff will sound cliched or obvious, but I think the real lessons are in the form of emotionally understanding what one should do; or being able to spot manipulation much easier.

Without further a due, I will try to go off the top of my head. (don't expect buddha,lol) The first that comes to mind is that no man is an island. Many people have this belief that all they need is to try hard, suck it up and/or ignore whatever issues they are facing without relying on others. On many different levels, we are built to rely on each other. There are many negative consequences. for not doing so. Though it seems it is difficult to find someone who is reliable to depend on, so I think for many people, their best bet is a personal God.

You are the interpreter! People are not slaves to reacting in one form to a particular event. If you are miserable, its not necessarily because what is happening to you but how your viewing it.

Irregardless of the action, most people believe they are doing the right thing at the time they are doing it. When Nazis were gassing Jews, they justified it in their minds that they were making the world a better place. (however delusional the action is) Which reminds me of how susceptible most people are to the influence of authority. Milgram and Zimbardo experiments show without a doubt that most people would do the same thing to fellow citizens if the social environment as like it was in Nazi Germany. People think they would rebel, but most people do not actually practice what they preach. Its not that people are evil, most mean well, just lack the fortitude to do well.

One's genes predisposition one to certain behaviors, but by no way are we held hostage to them. Even among those who are likely to inherit schizophrenia (a highly inherited mental disorder) it doesn't mean you will develop it, even if your twin has it. One's environment and will play a role, as genes turn on and off; throughout the lifespan. (something I didn't know previously) When trying to understand why someone has a particular issue, the best method to understanding that issue is by using a biopsychosocial approach. Though as with all things in life, every approach has its strengths and weaknesses, no one psychological framework should be used for every issue.

Blah, I'm drawing blanks now. Want more? See the above entry header quotes. I'm plum out of energy for the moment. *hungry too* Later, gonna write about the last couple of days, as they are worth remembering. That's all. Try to enjoy as many moments as possible.