As of today I was formally accepted to study at the ITT Technical Institute. I had previously taken a mandatory school tour and received all of the preliminary information needed in order to decide if I felt ITT was for me.

I went in today with a little trepidation mostly because of the entrance examination I knew was to occur. There was nothing to study to prepare for this test. I only knew it would cover "general" English and mathematics. I filled out all of the paperwork and then was escorted to the small room where the test was to occur. Fifty questions in twelve, yes twelve minutes.

I left that little room feeling I had done not so well. My adviser, José, was explaining to me what would occur should I not pass (after twenty minutes, another testing opportunity would occur; thereafter, one final chance to pass on the day following would be permitted) when the test administrator emerged and congratulated me for having one of the best test scores they had seen. Apparently, around ninety-five percent (95%) of applicants fail this test on the first attempt, due mostly to not having taken any sort of test in some time and nerves, both of which applied to me. The test administrator said, "If [he] were to give [me] a letter grade, it would be A+."

My goals are as follows:
Information Technology Associate Of Science Degree
Information Systems Security Bachelor of Science Degree

Now all that is left to occur is my appointment with the financial aid department to see if I can pay for all of this. As I am currently an independent person per the IRS, I do not think I will have any trouble funding this project fully through scholarships, grants and loans.

I had mentioned before my elation over not only filing my taxes online, but doing it all by myself. I was also looking for the refund being automatically and electronically deposited into my checking account.

Well, the checking account information I provided is no longer valid. I called H&R Block to ask what I could do to possibly change this information before the IRS attempts the wire transfer. They do not know. Excuse me, "tax professionals," you do not know what to do if you need to change the direct deposit figures? No, they do not. Fucking unbelievable. And to think people let them do their taxes outright and pay for that service, to boot!

Me: Hi, I need to change the direct deposit information for my taxes which I filed 11 February 2003 using your online service. Do you know what I need to file with the IRS in order to accomplish this?

H&R Block "Tax Professional": You filed at HRBlock.com?

Me: Yes, that is correct.

TP: Okay, you need to contact our online help line…

Me: …right, but I mean is there not just a form I can fill out?

TP: Uh, well… I am not sure. If you filed online, then you need to call our online help number.

She even asked her co-worker who concluded the online help was the way to go. Yeah, well aside from technical issues, the online help is $20.00. Uh, no.

So I called the IRS. Every person when they get on the telephone with you gives you an ID number.

IRS: Thank you for calling the Internal Revenue Service, my name is Bob, 31-09985. How may I help you today?

Me: Yes, I would like to change my direct deposit information from my e-filed taxes. How do I do this?

31-09985: Uh, okay, well let me transfer you to the "Procedures" department where they can tell you exactly why you cannot do that. Please hold.

I shit you not, that is exactly what he said. So I get transferred to the "Procedures" department where another number talks to me. 75-15917 tells me that there is no changing the direct deposit information once they have entered your original submission into their computer. No, instead of being able to change two tiny number strings I have to wait for the wire transfer to fail and get returned to the IRS. Then they will issue me a paper check via post. My refund ETA just went from 25 February 2003 to that plus four (4) weeks.

All this aside, I do highly recommend the H&R Block free e-file programme for anyone. The step-by-step questionnaire was very simple to complete and written for people who are not accountants. The process is free if your adjusted gross income is less than $28,000.00.

While it may turn out to be in the same vain as that band I will never start, I have been shooting around the idea of a tattoo for a while. I decided long ago it would be something original, around 1×1 inch and on my right shoulder.

There is a pendant I found online that I have been playing with in drawing, coming up with something based upon it. You can see the original pendant here. Since my scanner is still not working I cannot show you my conceptual modifications, but the image really gives the idea fully.

Now all I need is some money, decide between the three tattoo artists who all said they wanted to do any work I decided to get done and actually get the balls to do it.

I have had considerable difficulty locating complete and decent quality MP3 copies of the following two songs. If anyone can locate them, I would very much appreciate receiving a forwarded copy.

Lords of Acid – Lady Marmalade Got it!
Luna Chique – Liquid Space

I have been looking periodically for a little over a year with no luck. I like the Liquid Space song so much I would purchase it, but I would rather not import the LP from England. Hell, I cannot even play an LP.

Yup, that is about it for now. Happy Valentine's Day (even if you are single, lonely and depressed). Do not forget to send your mother flowers.