Helpdesk Ace

Soundtracked Life

2011-06-21T06:34:00.000-07:00

I came across a very interesting article about a soundtrack for the looming apocalypse aptly titled, "The Future Will Destroy You". Obviously just by the title alone you can see in which direction the article was headed. Lucky for you I'm not going to take you down that road today. I just don't think following yesterday's post with something like that would be ideal. Instead I would like you to explore the concept of the "soundtrack to your life". The STYL are the memories that are tied to specific songs that take you back to your first love, your first breakup, the death of parent, your high school graduation and maybe even the song that played the first time you got high and decided to drive home in extreme paranoia...this is the "soundtrack to your life".

There’s something phenomenal about how a certain song on the radio can help you shed the tears and move on after a hard break up. There's something remarkable about your iPod randomly selecting a song by Green Day that can light up your life and take you back to walking across the stage accepting your high school diploma. For most of us that was our highest achivement at that time. There something rare about when a song comes on and you can't help but to pick up the phone, call the person that it connected you to. Though you will never be a Whitney Houston or a Boyz II Men you still sing the song through the phone like it's your own. Many are magical moments that can't be repeated or duplicated. Many of the magical moments wouldn’t nearly be the same without the perfect song at the perfect moment. Songs help tell the story, create the atmosphere, express the feeling that sometimes you can't quite express yourself.

Don't you wish that your life could be composed. Come on folks take a walk with me. Just think about it...

There you are walking into your favorite bar, wearing you favorite articles of clothing, with the anticipation of your enjoying your first drink. As you walk through the door a dead silence comes over the bar and everyone slowly gazes in your direction. A few of your friends are in tow. You find yourself walking in slow motion as you reach the bar the bartender sends a cold one sliding down counter to you. As you stop it and prepare to qench your thirst, Usher's "Yeah" starts blaring from the speakers. As you drink in slow motion as well the lights dim and somehow everyone in the bar breaks into a choreographed routine. Tell me you've never thought of that. Hmm...

Every now and then you may be lucky enough to experience a soundtrack moment when a song plays and matches the exact instance in your life. Songs that tell a story, songs hold memories and songs play to your emotions.

Chips, a Soda and a Thought

2011-06-20T02:36:00.000-07:00

It's late, I'm at work and I'm dog tired. I realize that it's been a minute since I've come to my own personal blog and updated. I just haven't had the time nor motivation to put my thoughts down on paper. With the traveling, work and school I've been a busy man. By no means am I complaining because it's the little things like this that make me appreciate life and be thankful that I'm in good health.

Tonight I came across a post online that spoke to me and I thought I would share it with you. It's about another fellow blogger who has put her thoughts into a book. The book, ThxThxThx by author Leah Dieterich is really good about writing thank-you notes to life and everything in it. It's about giving the simple things in life their just praise. Here are a few things that she feels the simple things in life give you:

It can ground you.
It can turn the negative into a positive.
They're like a diary.
You get back what you put in.

I hope that each one of you can take out a little time out of your busy schedule and pay tribute to things that keep you going in life. Hopefully they map out a direction, a goal, or just give you a visual confirmation of who you are.

Going Vegetarian

2011-02-02T09:06:00.000-08:00

I'm thinking about making the transition to a vegetarian or vegan diet. I've been seeing a lot of stuff on TV about it recently and want to give it a good effort. With more and more emerging research supporting the benefits of a plant-based diet, along with fast growing demands, it is easier than ever to give being a vegetarian or vegan a try.

My first goal is to try it for a week and see how far that gets me. I'm going to try to stay away from the negative stereotypes that have plagued most vegetarian and vegans diets. I'm going into this with an open mind and a full heart. It's been a long time since I've been really secure about my body and I need to get back to enjoying it.

I've tried doing this several times before and have failed within a day or two. I think because I put to much pressure on myself. This time I have no expectations for myself or any pressures at the moment. It's just me and the fruits and veggies right now. Let's see what I can do.

Happy Birthday 2 Me

2011-01-30T08:46:00.000-08:00

I finally made it folks. The ripe old age of 30 has knocked on my door and I've taken the challenge.

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T13:59:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Folks.

Boston, Mass (The Blizzard)

2010-12-27T16:16:00.000-08:00

So after Christmas we got this bug to head up to Boston. It's only a two and a half hour drive from where we are. Makes sense to any sensible person with a brain that has never been to Boston before. We learned Christmas night that there would be a blizzard headed our way, but being the men that we are we pushed on and said, "Fuck it!". When is the weather forecast ever right? When has anyone ever listened to their local weather man and thought that he/she might be giving pertinent information. Exactly, they never are for the most part.

The trip started off pretty well. We overslept by a couple of hours, but made short time of getting ready and headed out the door within 20 minutes of waking. The drive seemed to be unfolding quickly. We could see the snow flurries coming down, but it didn't look anything like a blizzard. Just the same flurries that I've seen 3 or 4 times in the last month. We decided to ride up the coast so that we could say that we had been through Rhode Island. We also passed some place where Mystic Pizza was filmed. I think that's a non-blackual fact. Have no clue about any of it.

As we approach Boston we start to see that there is one defining thing about this place...it's historical. We had already decided that we were going to walk "The Freedom Trail" on our own. They have it mapped out pretty well with a red line that runs through the city. Too bad we didn't come completely prepared for a 3 mile trek through flurries. Lucky for us the local H&M was able to supply all the accessories needed for a very affordable price. After acquiring what we need the tour was on. From one corner to the next we walked and walked. Never noticing that the snow was picking up more and more as we walked. By the time we finished the tour the snow was pouring from the sky and we looked liked walking sheets of snow. Somehow through all this we were able to procure a cab to get us back to the car, but that in itself was an adventure. Due to the weather there weren't many available and all the ones we waved down already had passengers in them. Thanks to my undeniable chocolate skin I was able to flag down a cabbie that was willing to help us get to our car. It was a slow in steady cab ride. Kind of expensive for the most part.

Pan forward about a hour or so and we are in the mist of a blizzard like no other I have ever seen. Pan forward 7 hours later we finally make it back to our town. Pan 30 minutes later we are able to find a street worth turning on. Thanks to following plow trucks. Pan forward to sitting in the house warm in my PJs and under a blanket I realize that weather forecast are there for a reason. Pan 7 years back when I was in this same place in the middle of a blizzard I would have never thought I would be in one again. Pan a week from now and I'll be back to grey skys and rain in Portland where I belong.

The Day After

2010-12-26T15:29:00.000-08:00

The day after Christmas I was able to reflect on a lot of things in life. Mostly just that the older I get the simpler I've become or maybe that Christmas just stresses me out. This year I decided that I wasn't going to celebrate Christmas or do as least possible for the holiday. I didn't do too many gifts. I didn't send out cards. I didn't. I didn't. I didn't.

I did however wake up late, eat Thai food for breakfast/lunch, procrastinate, take a very long shower and have a intimate dinner with some people that I will probably be good friends for a long time. This has definitely been one of those years where I've done without a lot and I've coped better than expected.

Here's to 2011 hopefully staying simple.

How was your Christmas?

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T07:59:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from NYC. I hope that all your wishes come true and that life it good to you!

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful." Norman Vincent Peale

The Late Show with David Letterman Experience

2010-12-22T07:13:00.000-08:00

Last weekend while we were wondering through the streets of NYC we happened to stumble upon the Ed Sullivan Theatre. For those of you who don't know what that means let me life that rock from on top of you. EST is where David Letterman is filmed. We just happened to come by as they were taking applicants for tickets to the show. We were in know way shape or form think that we would get them, but long story short we did, we went and we saw Dave and the rest of the crew.

Can I get a "hell yes"! We were able to score tickets to The Late Show with David Letterman and I attended the taping on Monday.

Let me fill you in on some of the process. Here's a round about story:

We applied for tickets at the front door of the Ed Sullivan Theatre on a whelm. They hold something like a lottery to get the tickets. There are three dates to pick from. I think we picked all three. Just wanted to make our chances of getting tickets that much better. They tape shows in the afternoon and evenings. I can honestly say from the moment we applied I was hoping for a call from someone from the show. It can come anytime, even the day of the taping. Our call came the day before the show. They ask you to confirm a date, and then they ask you a trivia question about the show. I guess Dave wants to make sure his audience is packed with "real" fans.

The day of the taping, we took the train in because it would be the best way to get there and not get stuck in traffic. After picking up the tickets, we got a chance to go to Crumbs, a nearby bakery and have a couple of treats while waiting for the taping to begin. Why not get a little sugar in the blood.

It took what seemed like forever, but the taping finally began! We got "very cheerful" instructions from a CBS staff member to get "pumped", to laugh hard, and to clap often... and to turn off our cell phones, of course! After the pep talk, we finally entered the studio. The theater looks a lot bigger on TV than it actually is. When inside, even the people in the last row or upstairs must have felt pretty close to the stage. We were in the fourth or fifth row on the floor! I could have touched Dave I was so close.

The house comic came on stage and explained a little what was going to happen, repeated the rules, and of course did a few jokes just to get the crowd going. Then the CBS Orchestra came out looking like rock stars from the 80s! Paul Shaffer eventually came on stage after the band performed a couple of songs. David Letterman finally appears on stage, everyone went crazy! He looked very loosened up, not wearing a jacket. Hell, who am I kidding...he looked like he had been hit by a train. TV is very good to Dave. For a second I thought it was an impostor. He did his usual banter and then went right into the show. The show was really worth all the trouble. They were filming the Christmas special to air on Thursday of this week. Amanda Peet was the guest. I have to say that she looks exactly the same as she does in the movies. Very funny and witty as well. A couple of the holiday usuals came on after her. Another comedian to knock the meatball off the Christmas tree and a singer.

All and all we had a lot of fun.

Turn That Frown Upside Down

2010-12-21T07:56:00.000-08:00

We all have crappy days. You know the kind I mean? Problem with clients (David), cranky co-workers (Mo), personal life stresses that send you in a downward spiral(and for some reason it always seems to be raining).

Since I'm having one of those slow to start days I thought I would just throw a few things out there to help you get going:

“TREAT” yourself. - Need I say more. Who doesn't like to?

Help Someone else out! - Always takes the focus off you and you get to help someone else int the process.

Find something else to do.

Tell yourself, “Well, at least I…”

Exercise- This always helps me out. A nice long run always clears my mind and gets me back to a central place. If you can't run...walk.

Write it down. - Log your crappy day down. Maybe it will help you the next time.

Be grateful. Things could always be worse. There are others that might possibly be having a worse day than you.

Find your loving.

Everything Taste Better Than Skinny Feels

2010-12-20T06:55:00.000-08:00

That's just my opinion. This week I was out and about hanging with some friends when one of them spewed, "Nothing taste as good as skinny feels." He, yes I said he, probably needs to get out more often. I could go down the list of things that taste as good ...well.

I'm still not sure why he thought quoting Kate Moss was the thing to do while he scarfed down slices of pizza, buffalo wings and Miller Lite.

Well I have to be honest that part of me was in agreement with him, but the fat kid inside me that works his butt off to stay in shape was kicking his ass up and down the street. The skinny ones always disappointment when it comes to feeling sensitive to other weight or health problems. Just because your body doesn't show it on the outside...the inside could possible be in horrible shape.

I'm not sure where I was going with this post, but I'm going to eat now!

New York, New York

2010-12-19T19:40:00.000-08:00

I finally got to tour NYC and take in all that it has to offer. I'm not sure if I got to all the places that I wanted to, but my feet definitely screamed for agony at the end of a 12 hour day of walking and pushing my way through crowds of people.

The picture below contains a couple of key places in New York City. I'll see if I can name a few of the key places that I visited and tell you a little about them.

Grand Central Terminal: Looked exactly like they show in all the movies. Kind of made me feel like something magical was supposed to happen while I was. I will say there was a Gossip Girl moment when a girl delivered a letter marked TOP SECRET. Kind of cute and high school, but it was very entertaining.

Bryant Park: I think it used to be the place where fashion week was held. Now it's a place full of small shops that sell everything from coffee to jewelry. Very cheap buys and a nice way to find and eat some things that you wouldn't normally come in contact with.

Bad Boy Records: Do I need to say more. I was just hoping to get a glimpse of Diddy.

Ed Sullivan Theatre: Home to the Late Show with David Letterman. Just stumbled upon it by mistake. Lucky for me I actually won tickets to see the show on Monday.

Central Park: What a glorious piece of work. It was everything it was supposed to be and more. I wish it was Summer time so I could do some more exploring. It had carousels, food, running, soccer, carriages pulled by huge horse, art and tons of excellent people watching.

There are several others landmarks from New York in the pictures as you can see. I don't think I will ever be able to completely see everything I want to see in one visit to NYC, but I got an inspiring sight of what it has to offer.

iPhone app: Electric Miles

2010-12-17T11:46:00.000-08:00

Was suprised to find out that I am feature on my favorite website iPhone app. Always nice to see your mug posted somewhere. Enjoy your Friday folks.

Imagination Optional

2010-12-14T04:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's Note: I tried to run and failed miserably. I'm officially done for the year. Elliptical here I come. I will just have to work on my diet a little more.

This morning I woke to sounds of snow trucks and car alarms outside my window. I guess these are the sounds Winter on the East Coast.

I'm back in Starbucks this morning listening to recently downloaded music from iTunes. The sounds of Christmas music are in the air and the early morning crowd looks of disgust from being up this morning. As the different crowds pour in and out I have to wonder who they are and where they are off to. I guess this just might be me, but I've always been intrigued by people and imagining where they might be going in life. I wonder where the lady in the white denim jeans, rainbow belt and floral headband is headed to after reading USA Today. Or where the guy in the God awful track suit and greasy hair is headed. Maybe to snuff someone off. This is NYC. I can make a really good assumption where the well groomed guy wearing too much cologne and in dressed in a suit is headed. What's that you say? To work. I was thinking he was going to see his mistress. As much cologne he has on there is no way he's headed into the office. The cologne would cause everyone to have headaches within a few minutes of contact with him. It's just my imagination. Don't sue me just yet.

On another note I had some really intense dreams last night. I'm not sure what they mean, but I hope a few of them come true because they were quite interesting. Let's just say they involved cookies and camping. Two things that rarely go together, but trust me they did in my dream. Get your mind out of the gutter people. Think hearty thoughts. It's the holidays for Pete's sake.

The photo to your right was taken yesterday in the middle of the park after a really good burger and fries. I think I thought I was invincible because I am dressed like that and the snow is starting to come down. Lucky for me I was only outside for brief periods of time.

I can honestly say that I'm enjoying the East Coast way of living.

Morning Glory

2010-12-13T03:42:00.000-08:00

My good friends over at Wikipedia describe running as a means of terrestrial locomotion allowing a human or an animal to move rapidly on foot. It is simply defined in athletics terms as a gait in which at regular points during the running cycle both feet are off the ground. Sadly I have to say that I've been struggling with my running. It appears that everyone around me is able to do what used to come so natural to me. I've had an up and down year with my running. It started off with a bang, but somewhere in between I started getting shin splints and it's been all downhill. Almost 30 years without ever getting them and they've come on like no one's business. It's getting to the point that I struggle to even walk. Part of me wants to take the rest of the year off and start over at the beginning of the year and the other part of me knows that I have goals that need to be achieved.

Others have other outlets to help the with stress and creativity, both of mine or relieved during running. I'm able to do so much in that 30 to 45 minutes of pounding it out on the pavement. I can single handily create "world peace" when I'm in a pair of NIKE shoes running for no apparent reason, but to feel free. So with that said you can see where my head is at this moment. I have can't sleep, I can't formulate thoughts correctly and I damn sure can't burn enough calories doing anything else.

I'm sitting in Starbucks this morning mourning. I'm not sure what my decision will be for another hour when I'm supposed to take to the streets. What I do know is that I'm in NYC and the food is abundant and I want to be the recipient of all that I can have. The key all these enjoyments are running! Sometimes a man just needs more options in life.

NYC (Connecticut) Weekend

2010-12-12T02:48:00.000-08:00

My first weekend on the East Coast is officially over. It's filled with a lot of mixed feelings for the most part. There have been some highs and some lows. The flights to get here were pretty seamless. My pickup in NYC was on time and smiling. My first dinner here was McDonald's...does it get any better than that. My first trip to NYC was full of choas, pushing, random people and being lost. And then came the food poison to make things just a tad bit more interesting. I can honestly say that it didn't happen to me, but it took my tour guide down for a day in a half. Don't think that it's worth mentioning the place where we ate because I actually turned out fine. All in and all I'm happy with the outcomes so far. NYC here's looking at you kid. I hope you have lots more in store for me.

I'm Back

2010-12-10T15:18:00.000-08:00

It's been along time since I decided to post anything on here. I guess I haven't been too inspired to put much on here. I'll be in a new place for a couple of weeks and I figure that I'll have plenty of time to blog during my downtime and I have alot of it. Blogging and working out are my two new best friends. So feel free to comeback and check out the new content update daily.

Super...Hero...Power

2010-07-27T14:21:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to watching what I had recorded on my DVR. Seems like every show that I recorded had a trailer for the new ABC television show about a superhero family aptly titled, No Ordinary Family. I have to say that I think that I’m in love with a show that I haven’t even seen yet. Can’t tell you why just yet, but I want you to take my word for it. I think I have a thing for superheroes in general – growing up my childhood hero was Speedy Gonzalez. I know you’re thinking that it’s just a mouse that runs fast and you would be correct.

Give me a second of your time to explain. Speedy appealed to me even more than any other superhero usually does, only because what he did was realistic to me. It was a simple concept to grasp that a mouse could run fast. At the time I was the fastest kid in the neighborhood and I've never really been a cat person. I can remember my mom always screaming at me to “Stop all that damn running”. So in my mind it makes perfect sense. Pretty easy superpower to create and roll with.

I leave you with two things. One bwing the catch phrase from the show..."Andale! ¡Andale! Arriba! ¡Arriba! Yii-hah!". The second i ask you...Who's your superhero or superpower?

Fly @ a Funeral...

2010-07-21T23:10:00.000-07:00

...my own funeral that is. If I've told you once I've told you twice about the crazy things that run through my head when I'm on the treadmill. I never cease to amaze myself with the things that I come up with. Today I found myself thinking about being a fly on the wall at my own funeral and what people would be saying about me when I'm dead and gone. It has to have passes your mind. Stop looking at me crazy people. I know you've thought about it before. I'm not the only who goes into these random thoughts of total chaos or bliss. Just depends on which way you want take it.

In my mind I want people to be falling all over the church or graveyard crying their little eyes out. At least that's what I'm telling myself, but I don't really back that thought up fully. On a serious note I think they will say one of two thing about me.

The first thing people would say is "a$$hole". In big bold letters it will fly from their mouths. I think a good number of people that have passed my path have felt the wrath of Ace at some point. Whether it was because they deserved it or caught me on a bad day. The ones that didn't dig a little bit deeper will hold fast to their judgements and probably burn stakes at my funeral. They will say good riddance to my cold body laying there. I just hope if these people show up I at least have on a nice suit and they hooked up my makeup so I almost look as good as I did alive.

The second thing people will say is that I was a breathe of fresh air in their lives. They will say that they've never laughed as hard as when they were around me. They will say speak of me in a tone that brings a smile to people's faces even while in the grieving stages. They will toast me with shots of Patron and snack on Skittles.

I have to say I hope for the second to be true. By the time I am laying their in that coffin I hope I will have crossed paths with all the people that I set on fire when I was trying so merciless to find myself. I hope that at some point I can show them that I was still growing into the man that I was supposed to be. That's what I hope and hope is the start of a new beginning. So just think about what you think people will be saying about you. Are you happy with that thought?

Running Scared

2010-07-21T03:28:00.000-07:00

I forgot to tell you guys about a month ago I ran my first half marathon. I'm still not sure why I wanted to run a half-marathon, but it sounded like a very good idea. My initial reaction to myself was “no thanks”, but at my age I'm needed things to challenge me these days. It was definitely a challenge. I decided to get up off the couch the next night and go running. I found a great running tool through Nike that helped me map out a course of attack for my first half marathon.

I didn’t have time to stretch at all. I never really stretch to be honest. I ran right out of the port-a-potty and crossed the starting line about 5 minutes after the first person took off. I was in a bit of a panic, but after the second mile or so, I relaxed. I was, however, still a bit worried about the lack of stretching. By mile 6 I felt like I had a pretty good movement going, and the running music I was rocking out to was really helping a lot. It matched my stride pretty well. By mile 9 I was moving to my own beat. By 11 I was a little more confident because I knew that I was nearing the finish of the race. As I crossed the line I was still in disbelief, but I was excited to finally be done with the race.

I wish that I could tell you that I had a blast doing it and that it was invigorating, but it wasn't. It was very difficult to accomplish. Before running I had thoughts of completing a full marathon, but after completing a half of a full one I have put my hopes of doing that on hold for now. A 2 year hold for the most part! If I'm lucky I will try for one next year after I get a couple more half marathons under my belt. Maybe even shed some of my bulk from my body frame to become a little more agile. For now I am content with my accomplishments and will keep you posted on the progress of my running. High school legs here I come or not.

Farmer's Chatter

2010-07-20T11:13:00.000-07:00

Goats, sheep ,and chickens belong on the farm, not in the middle of........ my office. It often feels like I have been dropped in the middle of a farm, somewhere Texas or Kentucky. Why those two places I have no clue, but they were the first two that popped into my head. I'm either grazing with the goats, being herded with the sheep or in a chicken coop with the rest of the girls waiting on my eggs to hatch.

I think that I have the single most visited office in the building. No matter when or what time of the day you can always find an interesting conversation taking place in my office. Whether it's about what was on television last night, the hot topic on the local news or about the person in the office that's getting on everyone's nerves. It seems to be a revolving door in here (my office). Since I am never one to do too much work and anyone that knows me will consent to this. I enjoy the ever escalating rotation of people and chatter that makes the day go by so quickly. I think it also helps me get a since of people, sometimes even a little more than you ever imagined.

Today is no different than the other. We recently got a new person in our three man office and she hasn't disappointed with any of her story telling. I learned today that she has had 5 substantial moves with in the last five years, has two Siberian cats that she adopted from a shelter that are the size of medium dogs, likes to eat hot sauce by the tablespoon and enjoys country living. Who knew? Not me! Did I actually want to know? No, but does it help me to get a better understanding about who I'm dealing with...yes. Could it also be a tell-tell sign of other things to come...yes.

Or the guy in the office that lets everyone know when he's about to "drop the kids off".

Or the people who can't seem to restrain themselves from telling you all about the adventures of all their kids. They can't seem to stop telling me all the funny things that "Jimmy" says or does.

Now I ask you, "Do I continue to hear my office life behind the "chicken wire" or do I try being a goat or a sheep sometimes?". In don't know, but what I do know is that I will not be "lamenting the chicken coop" anytime soon.

Summertime

2010-06-10T17:29:00.000-07:00

Well, we are coming to the end of spring semester. Can I get a "thank God" from someone? In a week or so I will be back at it because summer semester starts in like a week. In only a few short weeks, we will be in the mist of Summer. It’s hard to believe that Summer is right around the corner. It feels like Fall is still upon us here in the Pacific Northwest. Rain! Rain! Rain! I looking for that break in the clouds, harps playing and some lady belting out a song in Latin at the top of her lungs that I can't can't quite understand...but know it sounds beautiful.

Did I mention that the last day of Spring semester was yesterday. That means it is officially summertime. Although, to me, Summer starts every year at the beginning of June. Just like Fall starts at the beginning of September, Winter starts the beginning of December and spring starts about that same time in March. Just like Keyshia Cole said, that’s the way it is. You know it, I know it and the American people know it.
It has been a great year so far! Now some vacation, family, and "offline" time is really needed and deserved. If I haven't told you yet, I've got big plans this Summer. I don't quite have them set in stone, but I have a firm idea about how it's supposed to go down.

I'll leave you with some lyrics from Kenny Chesney's Summertime:

"Summertime is finally here
That old ball park man is back in gear
Out on 49, man I can see the lights
School's out and the night's roll in
Man, just like a long lost friend
You ain't seen in a while
You can't help but smile

And it's two bare feet on the dashboard
Young love in an old Ford
Cheap shades and a tattoo and a Yoohoo bottle on the floorboard
Perfect song on the radio, sing along cause it's one we know
It's a smile, it's a kiss, it's a sip of wine
It's summertime, sweet summertime"

Night @ Mohawk Tavern

2010-06-10T14:37:00.000-07:00

Another fun night out with the friends. It started off at Applebee's and ended up at the Mohawk Tavern listening to a live band jam out. There was beer, a barrage of mixed drinks, jello shots and the most appetizing fries sitting on a table within grabbing distance.

Cleaning Things Up

2010-05-03T10:01:00.000-07:00

"One of the secrets of a long and fruitful life is to forgive everybody everything every night before you go to bed." - Bernard Baruch

Snowboarding Accomplished

2010-01-11T09:52:00.000-08:00

I spent the entire day snowboarding yesterday. I didn't think that I was going to have such a good time with a group of strangers from school, but I did. Aside from the rain that sent me into the lodge a few hours early everything was awesome. The $5 hot chocolate made up for that.

After spending 6 hours on the mountain yesterday I realized that I need to get myself some new equipment or some well used equipment. There was a moment on the mountain where I almost cried like a baby. I bought a really pair of flashy gloves that looked great, but didn't do anything to keep my hands warm. I took a hard fall and got covered in snow and drenched my gloves. By the the time I made it the bottom of the mountian my hads were freezing. Felt like they were about to fall off. I ran into the lodge like a mad man and started my best attempt to rub my hands together for warmth. My professor for the class looks at me and says without missing a beat, "You should go run some hot water over your hands." I thought to myself that has to be wrong, but she has been snowboarding all her life; I've only been doing this for a few years. So I do what I'm told.

There I am in the men's restroom accessing the area for the first available sink. All the way at the end near the vanilla scented straw and oil thing (Not really sure what the proper name is for it and what the hell it was doing in the men's bathroom of a ski lodge.), but I progress on. The restroom had the "fancy faucets" that operate from the motion of your hand. I thought long and hard before I stuck my hands under the faucet. I've seen what hot water does to a car window in the Winter time and that should have caused a red flag, but it's the professor who snowboards all the time. She couldn't possibly be wrong. Wrong! She was and there I was flapping my hands and running around the bathroom trying not scream. It felt like someone was sticking pins and needles in my hands over and over and over again. I'm never listening to the professor again. Lesson learned and mastered. Later there would be a girl suffering from the same dilemna. I took great pride in watching someone else suffer as I did.

I'll be trolling around town trying to find some stuff that I can work with that will last for a few years or at least get me through the rest of the snow season. Fingers crossed for no borken bones or injuires.

A Little Humor

2010-01-11T09:34:00.001-08:00

Memories from New Year's Eve

2010-01-09T02:09:00.000-08:00

A few moments from New Year's Eve. Drinks and good eats all around.

Friiday Funny: Tough Guy Deadlifts Over 300 lbs, Passes Out and FACE PLANTS!

2010-01-08T22:11:00.001-08:00

I'm Ready 4 my Close-Up

2010-01-05T17:25:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I find myself sitting around thinking of some of the most random and mundane ideas. Yesterday while knocking out a few miles on the treadmill I had the strangest idea about being in my own music video. To be honest with you I have this thought every time I’m on the treadmill. Each time it’s the same video, but I add a few more effects here and there.

I know this sounds very crazy, but I ask you to just sit back in ponder the idea. I'm sure I'm not the only one that has thought of this. Even if you can't really sing I know the thought has popped up at least. You were sitting there watching MTV, VH1, or BET circa 1990 and a video caught your eye that made you go...hmm. If you're like me you thought I could have done so much better than that; hence my idea of being in a music video was born.

I'm not talking about the object of someone's affection in a video or a video "ho". I'm talking a bonafide video staring you, with your own ideas, and if you can actually sing too that's all the better. I've already booked Usher to sing my song. Timbaland or Lil' Jon will be in charge of producing the song and of course it will feature a verse by Jay-Z. I set my sights big I know, but if I'm going to do it I want it to be done right.

I want you to picture any Michael Jackson video. Bump that! I want you to picture Michael Jackson's, "Remember the Time" video. The entire concept about a peasant in Egypt remembering and taunting the King of Egypt about when you used to have relations with his Queen. I want to you also consider Janet Jackson's "All 4 You". 4 minutes of non-stop dancing. Try picturing Usher's "Yeah!” The strobe lights, the dance scenes, the instructional dance moves and Lil’ Jon screaming “Yeah” throughout the entire music video. Have I got you in the mood yet? Hell why you're at it picture Beyonce's "Single Ladies" video for that matter. All the videos that I mention say, "I got it right the first time!” I could have named a few, but these are all the ones that featured prominent dance scenes and what video would be complete without one.

These are only my opinions of what a music video should look like. I could be way off, but I strongly doubt it. Call me arrogant. Better yet text me I never answer the phone. Good video makes you want to lose your mind. You think Kanye jumped on stage and embarrassed himself and Taylor Swift for no reason. The video of women running around in leotards against a white screen talking about what a man should do for them really spoke to the man. Who are we to take that happiness away from him? Sure he could have used a little constraint. Maybe even some tact for that matter, but that's what a good music video should do to a person. At least that's what my video will do for masses or at least that’s what is happening in my head. Until I get the funds for it that’s where it will stay for now.

One of these days you’re going to hear, “And the MTV Video Award for Video of the Year goes to Ace!” Wait for it.

Speech Impaired

2010-01-02T11:56:00.000-08:00

Another holiday season is defunct, and I’ve just about recovered or at least that’s what I’m going to tell myself. It was the first time in years that I’d finished the holiday season and feel stress free. I set out to make things simple and that’s what I did. I’ve become lame when it comes to the holidays and I’m okay with that. I know it’s probably lame to draw a parallel to a carefree Christmas without having any kids or real hang-ups, but that’s just how life is sometimes.

In the middle of all this time, I’ve managed to get a lot of nothing accomplished. I saw a slew of movies that I habitually enjoyed (Avatar is the only one that I can actually say that I loved), introduced myself to a new bedroom setting and, and endured a somewhat sad stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve. I have no complaints though.

The last of my holiday enjoyment came over the weekend when I attended a party with a couple of close friends of mine. The party is something that they attend annually. It’s filled with a variety of traditions that you would only recognized if you were from the South; mostly having to do with the food being prepared and eaten. In the South we have a traditional spread of things to be eaten on New Year’s Day. There are two traditional dishes (black-eyed peas and collard greens) and one dish open to debate. The black-eyed peas represent good luck for the New Year and the collard greens represent the coming year’s financial gains. The open dish presents itself in the form of care, love, or compassion for others. I swear these silly customs or only things that someone from the South could only think of and actually get people to carry out on a year in year out basis.

The party was nothing short of awesome, but there was and always is a downside to everything. I know you’re asking what could possibly go wrong and I’m telling you it just wouldn’t be life without a little snack of mess. The infamous “Southern accent” reared its ugly head. I think I had you worried there for a minute. For about 10 years now I’ve been trying to disguise mine, but every so often when I’ve had one too many cocktails or around someone who speaks similar to vernacular it comes out. Frankly I don’t like it. I’ve always despised having a southern accent because to the negative stereotype others have of it, but for some reason this weekend I wanted so badly for it to shine and be on display for all to hear. Listening to the guest from Alabama and Georgia struck a chord of mine I guess. Listen folks I’m not rushing back to dragging words out and slurring sentences together again, but from time to time it would be nice to hear from others and maybe myself too.

So in my best accent (normal speech) I say to you… “How ya’ll doing!”

Next post: New semester of school.

Purple Jesus

2010-01-01T19:50:00.000-08:00

The title speaks for itself, but if not here is the definition: The ultimate party juice! Fill a bathtub (preferably a clean one) with grape kool-aid, quartered citrus fruit, Everclear (or another high proof grain alcohol) and ice. Let it sit for a few hours then party on! The best part is eating the fruit towards the end of the party! Enjoy! courtesy of Urban Dictionary.

Although I may have had writer's block for the past month, the important thing I do to stay focused on my own writing is to get my thoughts organized and out there for people to read.

I'm sitting here in a new year with a new urge to blog and share my thoughts and stories with the people again. The year has had its ups and downs for me, but I've learned and notched a few new holes in my wisdom belt.

I must say that I will be taking the many stories from last year and hope to hear many others this year. No matter where you are in life a good story really goes a long. Takes you on an adventure for a brief moment. Whether it's a sad story about death of a family member or a refreshing story about drinking a purple concoction on the beach with some college friends letting your inhibitions go; it just doesn't get any better than that.

I'll get back to writing about some of my life stories as I see them develop in my life. Other stories will come to mind far after the fact. As I gain experience, I may change my methods and become more precise, but this year I'm going to stick to it.

365 days of pure entertainment.

Next post: Where did my southern accent go.

On Track

2009-10-04T21:07:00.000-07:00

Summer...Gone. See you in a few months, Dude.
School...Started and kicking my ass.
Work...Dammit, still there.

Those are my three biggies and I've finally gotten them under wraps, hence the reason I'm here updating. I've lost my wit lately and haven't been able to get too much down on paper or this blog. Hopefully I find it soon because I've got a few papers coming up to write and I need to impress the masses. By masses I guess I mean my hand full of teachers with my clearer writing.

If you've seen my wit please tell him the get his ass back here. I need to get on track and he's complicating things.

Summer's Gone

2009-09-15T10:00:00.001-07:00

It's the end of my Summer finally. Time to get back to work and school full time. Summer is a season that I sometimes wish was longer. The warmth, extra daylight, vacations, barbecues and friends & family are just a few perks that I relish about summer. However, as the saying goes, "all good things must come to an end," and I, along with many others, feel the summer blues.

To keep a little summer in my life I have downloaded the memories from the camera and put on display. For those days when I need a burst of summer I bought some air fresheners. When I need a summer fix I'll be taking a whiff of a tropical scent to get my head back in the game. I've also got a "staycation" planned next month. Just to keep a sense of freedom similar to that felt during summer.

I also switch the closet around so that it fits the upcoming season. I took some things over to the thrift store too. Feels good to get rid of some of the crap I haven't seen all year.

The end of Summer also marks a time to get my head screwed on straight. I've been feeling like I'm all over the place these past few months. I think I've finally come up with a good system that will work and keep me motivated.

Hopefully everyone has a plan of attack now that summer is over. If not I'll try and keep you motivated through the craziness that consumes my life.

Pics from AZ

2009-07-20T14:26:00.000-07:00

I'm putting these up a little late. Haven't been able to get to the blog like I would like to, but I starting to get better at it. Hopefully I will be posting a little more frequently than I have in the past. Enjoy.

New Jawn

2009-06-08T08:26:00.000-07:00

Monday brings on a lot of things. Some good and some bad, but it is filled with the joys of starting off on a “good foot”. Luckily I have a short week ahead of me. I’ll only be working today and tomorrow. I have a jammed packed week of traveling ahead of me this week.

I foresee lots of beer, food and relaxing in my near future. I decided to go ahead with the Arizona trip. It will be a nice turn of events for me. The weathers been difficult here, so some sun could do me some good. I feel a tan coming on or at least my first summer coat of blackness arriving.

I’ve still been spending my weekend exploring Portland and all that it has to offer. I’ve been forgetting the camera.

In other news, I got to see a really hilarious movie this weekend called The Hangover. The movie is about a guy named Doug and his three friends. They drive to Las Vegas for a blow-out bachelor party they'll never forget. But, in fact, when the three groomsmen wake up the next morning, they can't remember a thing. The movie unfolds as they start to find clues. The movie was funny from beginning to end. That’s just my opinion though. I urge you to see and tell me I’m wrong. I haven’t laughed that hard in ages. I guess because my expectations were so low, it was so good. They even managed to make Mike Tyson funny, which I thought would be impossible.

Hope all is rolling with the rest of you.

I Want to Tan

2009-05-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

The week seems to be flying by at a rapid rate. I’m not complaining about this at all. I actually really enjoy weeks when they are like this.

I’m finally getting back to my regular routine of life. It’s taken me a little longer than usual, but I’m there and I’m feeling good about the direction that my life is taking. If I could complain I would, but I can’t and won’t.

I’m knocking out the workouts at the gym because the summer is on its way and I want to be shirtless for as much of it as possible. I also just found out that my trip to Arizona has to be canceled because I have finals that week and just can’t skip it. As bad as I want to go, I want to pass my classes even more. There is always next year. I’m thinking of taking a solo trip alone and just relaxing and discovering what it’s like to just be a nomad. Traveling at own pace, beating to my own drum and relaxing in a pool with some beers and shots of tequila just sounds right.

It’s times like these when I get a little jealous of that white people can tan and I can’t. Lying in the sun does nothing for my skin, but dries it out. I want to get all oiled up and lay out while people run past me. I want to ask some stranger can you rub some lotion my back. Is that too much to ask? I haven’t really decided on what I’m going to do. I’m thinking this will happen before summer quarter begins. I think I have a week gap in there somewhere. At the least I’m buying a lawn chair, getting some sun tan lotion and laying in the shade.

Weekend Romper

2009-05-26T08:51:00.000-07:00

Its days like this that I hate the most. I we are always supposed to be happy for a holiday, but the next day after really sucks ass in a major way.

I find it hard to get myself out of holiday mode. My body just wanted to keep rolling on through the process. I will say that I really enjoyed the time off. I kind of let myself go. I ate and drank everything in my path. I've done no calorie counting, no protein intake watching, and no nothing, just pure and utter chaos. I’ll make myself pay for it in the coming weeks in the gym.

It was really quiet around the home front. I attended a few low-key BBq’s and mustered up enough energy to finish a term paper. I’m almost finished migrating to the new computer, but I still have a few things left.

I’m dying for school to be over this semester so that the summer can begin. I have a jammed packed summer this year. I am getting jittery for it. I have 3 trips this summer. Arizona. Kentucky. Louisiana and the occasional trips to Seattle (Brad and Carrie I’ll see you on the 15th of next month.). Hopefully I’ll be able to add to the list. I just want to want to spend the least amount of time cooped up in a house. Hopefully I get all this accomplished.

Conversations & Coffees

2009-05-19T12:21:00.000-07:00

A lot can develop over a cup of coffee. Endless hours of procrastination, long hours of work, chitchat, sleepovers and business deals are all partial without coffee. I’m not championing a cause or anything; I just love good coffee (I don’t actually drink coffee. I tend to drink the less harsh beverages.) and good conversation.

I’ve come to realize that people are more open and forthcoming with information and feelings over a good cup of coffee. I guess you can say that coffee is the like a cold glass of your favorite micro-brew, just in the morning though and no embarrassing side effects or naked stories.

I’ve come to enjoy the morning debates over who got kicked off a reality show, why Paris Hilton was the hot topic on the favorite local news channel, and of course the crazy outfit that Karen (Everyone has one of these, though her name might not be Karen.) wore to work.

A chance to share thoughts with others, in mostly friendly banter, is something any of us hardly ever avoid. Since most of us are extroverts, conservative/liberals, and not unusual to have to raise the voice an octave or two, or invent vivid language, just to be able to make a point once in a while. To an observer these conversations might seem a bit loud, unruly, and filled with hoarse laughter, but to us it’s our way of avoiding the work. Maybe one can even say “throwing a little caution to the wind”. My only regret is that I won’t be able to hear the astute comments, opinions, and laughter all day.

300

2009-05-18T08:55:00.000-07:00

I’ve finally made it to 300 posts. I probably should have it that mark sometime ago, but haven’t really been able to make it to blog.

I seem to be moving in a whirlwind. It seems like I’m in the same little bubble doing the same things over and over again. I have set myself up for a pattern and can’t seem to get out of it. I’ve been working and kicking a little ass at school. School has also been kicking my ass too, but I think I’ll come out on top when it’s all said and done.

I’m still exploring all that is Portland. Hopefully by weeks end I’ll have some better post, pictures and a list of my latest travel. If you get tired of waiting, you can always keep up with me on Twitter and Facebook.

Hope all is well in the blogosphere.

When I Grow Up...I Want Recess Back!

2009-04-08T22:15:00.000-07:00

I'm finally starting to knock a dent into your past blog post. I didn't think that I had gotten that far behind on reading others blogs, but I guess I have. I think I've missed everything except the birth of someone's child.

So as school starts to take off, I can't help but feel like the year that I've taken off has damaged me more than I thought. I can't seem to ever catch up and do what I'm exactly supposed to do. Even when I think I'm ahead of the curve, I'm actually right where I'm supposed to be. I actually had to drop a class today because I think I bit off more than I can chew. I only have 3 classes to focus on now. I've pick up a part time job at a logistics company. I'll be pulling down 25 to 30 hours a week, which is plenty for me and my schedule. The only one missing out is the dog, but I'll make it up when I can with extra walks and treats.

As I was driving away from school, I passed the day care that sits at the entrance of the school. The kids were reveling in the Spring day playing what looked like soccer or maybe it was kickball. I'm not really sure, but the look on their face said everything. You could still see the innocence and joy of just being a kid. You could see no worries about bills, work, school, or relationships. The spirit of being a kid was all around them like bees to honey.

I can remember those days like it was yesterday. I remember running for hours straight, playing hide and seek, football in the middle of the streets and letting the Popsicle drip down my hands because I new Mom would wipe me my hands off with a warm towel. She would always say, "Now go back and play.", in that voice that only a mother could use.

As I sat waiting for the light to change reality set back in and I could only wonder who had inherited my innocence. I hope that they were putting it to good use. I hope that they didn't let it distract them from the fire ants like I did pretending to BBQ in the old cast-iron pit out back. Innocence can do a lot of things, but it can't tell the fire ants that you didn't know they lived there and that you were sorry for disturbing them. If only I knew while I was disrobing my clothes and running towards the house that those days can only last for so long, I would have stood there a little longer absorbing those bites. Once it's gone it's gone folks.

So I'll end this by saying no matter what's "eating/biting" you, let it, but try not to let it consume your life.

175.85

2009-04-07T12:38:00.001-07:00

I'm working hard to catch up on all the blogs. It feels like I haven't been on this thing in years. I'm at the 2 week spot of reading blogs. With the sun out and school later today, I probably won't get caught up til this weekend sometime.

The first day of school went smoothly to say the least, sike. It was horrible. First off, I parked on the wrong side of the school and had to walk halfway across campus to get to my class. I think I sweated more walking to class than I do at the gym. The teacher turned out to be a huge math geek with a dry sense of humor. There is nothing worse than a bad joke, but someone laughing at their own bad joke really takes the cake. Not only was the math class equip with one smart-ass-question-asker, it came with a sidekick. I think they asked every stupid question possible that someone could ask. By the end of the class everyone was just giggling about all that they had to offer. I've never gotten a grasp of why people just don't wait til after class to ask some of the things that they ask. It would make life a tad bit more easier for them or at least save me a few good minutes of sanity.

After class I went to the book store, which was jammed packed with students. I thought I was going to be smart by waiting to get my books at the last minute. I was wrong, because everyone else had the same idea in mind as me. Guess all us school folk think the same way. Guess I really can't be mad at that part really. I just sucked it up and waiting in line with everyone else. Not that the day at school couldn't get any worse. The young lady behind the register says, "That'll be 175.85.". I know what you're thinking that's not that bad, but I assure you it is. That was for only one class. I still have to buy books for my other 3 class. I'm a little hesitant about finding out what the final total will be. At this rate I will have paid more for the books than what it cost me to actually attend the school.

I'm off to take a nap before school. Keep your scalps greased. I'll be back after school to post a little more.

Yoga is 4 Girls

2009-04-06T09:14:00.000-07:00

"Yoga, an ancient but perfect science, deals with the evolution of humanity. This evolution includes all aspects of one's being, from bodily health to self-realization. Yoga means union - the union of body with consciousness and consciousness with the soul. Yoga cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endows skill in the performance of one's actions." ~B.K.S. Iyengar, Astadala Yogamala

For years I've been telling myself that yoga is for girls and I've actually been believing it too. Since moving from Las Vegas I've been trying to get my mind back to it's normal stat, but couldn't seem to get there on my own. While talking to one of the trainers at the gym they suggested that I should try yoga to adjust my need to over workout at the gym. I reluctantly have been trying yoga and I have to say for the 1 hour of the day it works. I feel like it just me and my achy ass bones. We are one!

I've been going for a about 3 weeks strong now. It's a challenge every time for me. Some people in the classes look like they were born for yoga. I didn't think bodies were supposed to move like that at our ages, but theirs do and I'm a little jealous too. I try not to let my competitive side come out in the class, but I'm a man and that's what we do folks. I'll be damn if some 45 year old guy stretches his leg further than I do. I'll be damn if the pregnant lady to the side of me can stand on her head without support better than me. Yoga is a peaceful state of being for most people, not me. I'm just not there yet in my head, but I'm slowly getting there. One hip flex at a time.

At the end of class the yoga instructor asked a few pretty prominent question. She asks, "Are you living your life like you should or want to? Are you living your life like it's one continuous never ending life? If life never ended and you just came back as different forms of yourself, would you be happy with the footprints you're leaving behind?"

Just something to think about...

Computer Transfer

2009-04-05T09:11:00.000-07:00

The computer is finally here. It's taking me some time to get use to, but it better than my old dinosaurs that I've been using.

I'm in the middle of transferring all my data as we speak. If you listen closer you can here the old laptop churning lie a jet engine. The thing is loud. 7 years is a long time to hold on laptop.

Well the updates and pictures should start flowing in like water or at least once a day. School starts tomorrow...

Shortly after starting this post I had to return my laptop because the "k" button refused to work. So now I sit with a new laptop in hand trying to remember what I was going to write in this post...

Quickie!

2009-03-26T12:30:00.000-07:00

I'm a little behind on posting and have a lot of things to share with all of you, but I'm just having a hard time getting in all gathered and transfer here.

I got a new computer on the way soon, so that should make posting a little bit easier. I thought I would leave you with a few pictures from my birthday. There are more to come.
I guess I should add a little update here too. I've been still exploring Portland, so there are post backed up on my explorations. I've been also putting a little extra time in in the gym because Summer will be here before you know. I plan on going on a few vacations in the sun and want to a least get a few looks my way. School starts next week too. I'll probably be updating the blog during my down time at school. Hope all is well in the blogoshpere. Take care and take it easy. I'm off to catch up on about 2 weeks of blogs.

Rock Bottom

2009-03-13T05:43:00.000-07:00

As I feel my relaxed schedule coming to an end shortly because of school, I'm trying to keep the adventure here in Portland moving.

Yesterday I decided to use one of my two places to visit. I ended up at a place called Rock Bottom Brewery where the slogan is "Serious about our food, Crazy about our beer.". It's a pretty wide open space to knock a few back and just sit and relax. A place to be one with your beer and be around others who share the same enthusiasm. Upstairs is equipped with a row of pool tables, TVs and a couple of arcade games. Downstairs is the more formal area for dinning, being near the bar and on most nights a way to get a closer view/listen to the people who participate in "Open Mike Night".

I normally try to tune out the music. To be honest with you, most times it's pretty bad, but I give some of the people who get up there and sing their hearts out some credit. I know that I'd never be able to get off my hump and participate. It would help if I could even sing.I wanted to try a variety of beer while I was there so after scarfing down my chili I decided to order a sampler. The sampler is a convenient alternative to getting your feel of the beer products at a brewery.

In the world of microbrewed beers there are many defined styles. Wheat, Ale, Pilsner, Pale Ale, IPA, Amber, Red, Porter, Stout, the list can go on and on. Each brewer, however, takes pride in putting their signature on the styles that they brew by using different malts, grains and hops.
If you are an avid brewpub visitor( like I'm not), than you’ll want to be sure that you will enjoy an entire pint of the beer you order (not that I have ever let a beer go to waste). Whenever I go to a new brewpub, which is pretty much not that often, I start by ordering a sampler. Ordering the sampler allows me to try several beers and helps me to decide what I will order a pint of.

All and all I got my moneys worth and was comfortably happy with my decision to visit. Mission accomplished.

This weekend will be filled with a little ice hockey and hopefully a little spontaneity. I got my fingers crossed says the man who has everything planned down to bathroom breaks. Hope your weekend is filled with life. Take it easy people.

Memory Jog

2009-03-11T23:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was in the middle of a mid-day nap. Who knew that after all those years of protesting naps in school that I would be an avid partaker in this sleeping celebration. Dreaming of some of the weirdest stuff my phone starts to vibrate (Bzzzzzz). It seems to scare me every single time. You would think I'm use to it by now because my phone is always on vibrate.

I grab the phone struggling to read the text. After a couple of "eye bucks", I'm finally able to read the text. The text says:

Texter: Send me your email address I want to send you something.
Me: Huh?
Texter: I got something I want to show you. Send me your email address.
Me: Okay. *********@aol.com or try ********@gmail.com
Texter: Cool
Texter: I didn't work.
Me: Try it again.
Texter: Okay it went through this time I mispelled it. Lol. Hee hee. I'm so silly.
Me: Okay, After my nap I'll get up and check it.
Texter: Cool. Let me know how it feels to be famous. Let your friends in WA and OR know. Lol.

Later on that night I remember to check my email account. As soon as I opened the email I began to laugh my ass off. Without any explanation I knew what the joke was.

Let me know if you figure it out. I want to elaborate more on the story, but I want to see if any of you can pick up on the joke right away. No cheating either.

Joke.

The answer to yesterday's question was... My Cousin Vinny.

Plinky

2009-03-10T05:33:00.000-07:00

"Imagine you're a deer. You're prancing around. You get thirsty. You spot a little brook. You put your little deer lips down to the clear water - BAM! A fuckin' bullet rips off part of your head! Your brains are lying on the ground in little bloody pieces. Now I ask you, do you give a fuck what kind of pants the son-of-a-bitch who shot you was wearing?!"

The quote above is from one of my favorite movies. Do you know where it's from? I bet you don't without cheating and searching the Internet.

Well I've been having trouble coming up with blog post ideas but I found this site through blogger that helps you get ideas on things to blog about. The site is called Plinky. It just presents you with questions and from the questions that you answer it gives you something to think about. It usually ends with an idea for a post. Instantly this Q&A caught my eye.

What's your favorite movie quote? Favorite movie?

Do you? I'd really like to know what gets the rest of the world cracking up or emotional. As long as you don't put "Titantic" as your favorite movie I'll accept anything.

It's been awhile since I have done this, but everyone knows I'm into blog sharing and I have a few news for you guys to checkout. Spread a little love there way.

Here We Go... - Mother of 4 talking about the things that consume her life.
Life in Beverly Hills...Michigan - Very witty blog. The stories about her kid are pretty hilarious.
The Adventures of Jon and Steph - About a couple living in Germany.

Tunes iLike

2009-03-09T07:12:00.000-07:00

It's been sometime since I have done a post on what's new with me in the world of music. I guess you can thank the new iPod for it. I think I'm back in my R&B phase again.

Blame It - Jamie Foxx - Really catching. Easy to get stuck in your head.
I'm in Miami Bitch - LMFAO - This is my new workout jam. I think I was rapping it a little to loud in the gym the other day. Another eaasy on to get stuck in your head. You'll be walking around the house saying, "I'm in Miami Bitch!".
I Love College - Asher Roth - Not to sound repetitive. Another catchy song. Very slow laid back rap flow especially for a white guy.
Digital Girl - Jamie Foxx - I just like it.
It Ain't Me - T-Pain featuring Akon & T.I. - Newer to my selection, but I like the beat and it's good to workout too. Sometimes I feel this way when out at the club.
Candle (Sick and Tired) - The White Tie Affair - Not sure how to explain. you'll either like it or not.
Number One - Jamie Foxx - Another I just like becuase it's Jamie Foxx.
Pick it Up - Donnie Klang - Midtempo for the ladies. A song about picking up the pieces after you've been done wronged.
Rockin That Sh** - The Dream - The song of the hour for. I can't stop singing the hook.
Details in Fabric - Jason Mraz featuring James Morrison - Very mellow and cool. Puts you in a place.

I Want Beer!

2009-03-08T06:15:00.000-07:00

It was easy finding my two places to venture to this week. Though I have to admit the first one I've been to before.

Yesterday I decided that I was going to get a couple of beers into my system and that's totally what I did. The first place on the Saturday stop was Henry's 12th Street Tavern.

"A new brew landmark...beer is a big part of Henry's draw in the form of 100 well-chosen draft beers. The selections runs from Bud to Belgians and includes a couple dozen excellent imports and almost 60 craft brews from around the country. They obviously care that beer is served at its peak ¾ a glycol-cooled system sees to that."

Although I have yet to try any of the food there yet because I'm either knocking a few back or knocking a few back while playing pool. From the looks of it, it would be worthy. The place is a mix between a pub and a moderately fine dining experience. The is no real "pub grub" there, but from the looks of the appetizers it wouldn't be a total let down.

After kicking ass in pool, we decided to travel a little down the road (The good thing about Portland is the ease of walking from place to place with little to no travel time.) to a place called Blitz. The name itself should give away what kind of place it really is. I think during the football season the place gets really packed. Today not so much. It's a straightforward and simple sports bar with little to no ambience - it looks like an oddly unlived-in frat house. Prices are low, there are plenty of games both on screen, and for play (shuffleboard, air hockey, pool, darts, anyone?), and the service was nothing short of amazing. I wanted to tell the waitress to go away because she was too on top of her game. A nice change. Probably wouldn't spend the entire night here, but it's a great place to start or finish.

All in all I would say that it was a good afternoon/evening. A lot of stress out the door. I can honestly say that I'm starting to get the hang of things around here in Portland. Though I'm no expert yet, I'm out of the beginner's stage. Look out "pros", I'm on my way for you.

Scheduling

2009-03-05T12:37:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting here a little angry this morning because I had to be up early to register for my classes online. The funny thing about the whole process is that I'm a new student to this school and have first dibs for picking my class schedule. What's even funnier is that I still ended up on the wait list for two of the classes that I needed.

I'm pretty sure I was competing with someones mom scheduling classes for them. Damn I miss those days when I could roll over and have someone else do it for me. I'm not too worried. Usually it's no big deal, I always somehow make it into the classes.

I can here that Jack Johnson song playing in the background as I create this post.

It's been slow around here in my neck of the woods. Looks like I'll be saving my two adventures for the weekend again. I have a couple of places in mind to hit up this week as well as a hike/run through one of the local parks here. Hopefully the weather doesn't rain on my parade, but we all know this is Portland and studies have shown that it rains on an average of 222 days out a year here. I really need to log in some outdoor time to get some fresh air into my system. It feels like I've been commuting from the computer to couch to the kitchen, no stops in between.

So yesterday I decided to splurge a little and by a little I mean a lot. Well not that much, but more that what I should have spent or wanted to spend with my tight budget. I ended up picking up the two items in the photos.

The first being an 16 GB iPod Touch. My old iPod was operating on it's last leg and only played select songs (usually songs that I normally don't really want to hear on a daily basest). Most of my time with it was spent yelling, dropping, kicking and banging it against things. I'm sure a couple of times in the gym someone wanted to call security on me, but those days are over. I mean, this thing does everything or at least compared to my old one, it does just enough to put a smile on my face.

The second thing I purchased was a Tom Tom Global Positioning System (GPS). It has already helped me out big time. I'm so tired of getting lost and making loops around Portland in the wrong/same direction. How else am I going to get my two places in a week if I can't get to them in a timely manner. My "internal man directions" can only get me so far. And so far it's gotten me nowhere.

Is anyone else having a problem posting pictures on here?

Weekend Update

2009-03-03T18:34:00.001-08:00

To tell you the truth it's been really slow around these parts for me, but that wasn't going to stop me from my weekly adventures around Portland.

I have officially made it clear to myself that I will carry my camera everywhere I go from now on. I'm never really sure where my car rides will take me, but I do know that I will be prepared to chronicle everything that happens. If I should slip up and not bring it with me you are free to throw stones at me (Hopefully when you do throw them, you have a lot of running room).

I saved my travels until the weekend this week. Friday I made my way to Montage, a restuarant, which is located in the heart of the Central Eastside Industrial district in what was once the Royal Hotel, but is now the home one of Portland's quirkiest restaurants.

While dining on linen-covered (paper) tables, you can enjoy a wide variety of meals, and at the end get your food wrapped in their signature foil masterpieces.

Though I didn't actually eat there. I decided to throw in something about them. The wait was entirely too long. It seemed like more people where waiting than eating. I think that's one of my gripes about restaurants in Portland, they all seem a tad bit too small. With that said this is still one of my favorites places to eat.

I ended up dining at Le Bouchon for an authentic French dining experience. I'm not one to venture out of my eating comfort zone, but I decided to give this place a try. After pouting for about 15 minutes for my dislike for the place the food appeared in front of me. I spent the night biting the bullet because the food was perfectly cooked. I have to say that the pork chop wrapped with bacon, mixed vegetables and mashed potatoes were the best I've eaten in some time. The only terrible thing that happened was me spilling water all over the table. Go figure, huh?

Sunday was spent watching a movie, hitting the bookstore and ending at a Thai place called Thai Peacock. Thai Peacock is just around the corner from Powell's, so it is a nice spot to go by yourself after you have bought a good book to read. I don't know if this is the best Thai in Portland, but for my first experince with Thai food it will do.
"Simple, decent, hole in the wall Thai food."

That's my travels in a weekend for you.

10 Questions To Ask Your Guy About His Past

2009-02-27T07:19:00.000-08:00

I ran across a very interesting article on yahoo today and thought that I would address/share it. The article was a list of suggested questions that women should ask a guy. I'm not saying that any of this 10 questions are wrong or that they don't have a purpose. I do feel that when you delve into questioning like this you better hold onto your panties because you might not get the answers that you were hoping for.

Alas the 10 questions:

1. What were you like as a child? (Seriously, what kind of question is this. Rarely are people the same as they were as kids. I.E. My buddy and his current girlfriend. There were certain things that I did as a kid that I wouldn't dare do as in adult. Such as push a girl down, pull her hair, spill my milk on her on purpose. I don't have an inner "Chris Brown" nowhere in my body.)

2. What's your happiest memory of growing up? (It could range from many things, such as a certain Chritmas, birthday or the first time I had sex. And still if I gave you a straight answer it would help out your cause of getting to know me better.)

3. What's the biggest lie you ever told—did you get busted? (What fool in their right mind would answer this?)

4. How many sexual partners have you had? (This question is garaunteed to start a fight. If he answers and you don't like it, remember that since you're the one that asked get the pillow and head for the couch to sleep for the night.)

5. What's the riskiest thing you've done in life? Sexually? (Ladies this is an awesome question, but the chance of you getting a real answer is slim to none. I'm 90% sure you're going to get a lie or an exaggerated story.)

6. Why did you and your last partner split? (Why would you want to know about the last lady. As long as it wasn't a dude, be lucky that it's over and you got your chance. You're only getting a one-sided story.)

7. What disappointed you about your last girlfriend and led you to want to break up? (Good question.

8. Are you still friends? (Seriously? No matter how I answer this I'm a bad guy. If I say no, you'll pry and ask why. If I say yes there is a chance that you're going to get jealous and not let us be friends.)

9. Who are your best friends in life? Why? (This is probably the only question the list that will help in your quest to get closer. The boys are your key to salvation.)

10. What's the most unusual place you've had sex? (It's not where you're thinking it was.)

I'm all for getting to know the person you are falling in love with, but somethings are better left unsaid. I could definitely conjure up some better questions the the 10 above. Dredging up the past?! I'll pass. There is a reason why it's past tense. Let's keep it that way.

Some Friday funny. Here is what those questions will feel like once you get the answers. Enjoy.

Segway Splat @ Yahoo! Video

Where I A.M.

2009-02-26T04:51:00.000-08:00

I finally caught up on reading blogs and I’m exhausted as hell though. I’ve been reading them all day. 6 weeks worth of blogs can take a lot out of a man or at least put me to sleep. Hopefully I made a stop by everyone’s blog to spread a little love to you all. I’m sitting up really late watching “Bowfinger” and listening to some iTunes in the background, snacking on some donut sticks and Coke Zero.

Things here have been flowing very well. I’m still doing apt hunting. I can’t wait to finally be out on my own, but for now I’m happy with the situation. I’m looking to get into a studio apt downtown by the end of the next month. I’ve been exploring Portland one day at a time. It seems to keep growing on me. I’ve been trying to at least discover 2 places a week. I’m looking to find a couple of spots to call my own. The place is sorta like Seattle to me. It’s wet and has an organic mix of people and environments.
Things have really been moving on the up and up for me here. I think I just needed a little kick in the ass. There have been a few key moments in the last month that I thought I would share with you guys.

*I’ve turned another year older. Partying with the old peeps felt just like the old days. “Shots of Patron for everyone!” “All the Single Ladies!”
*Enrolled in school and a work study program here in WA.
*Visited WA and my old workplace. It felt like home.
*Went on a skiing trip. (Too bad the camera wasn’t charged at all to get some action shots.)

I think there is more stuff to talk about, but I can’t remember anything at this time of the morning.

Take it easy folks and let the goodness flow. There is enough negativity out there for a lifetime. Add something positive to the world

7

2009-02-25T23:09:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged by YSFB. I'm also a little too lazy to tag 7 other people. List 7 things about you.

I love ketchup. (The more the merrier.)
I used to want to be in Michael Jackson videos. ("Remember the Time")
I watch way too much reality TV.
I like watching "chic flicks" with Mo. (You owe me one.)
I'm obsessed with socks. (I would shower in them if it were possible.)
I work out so hard so that I can look good naked. (That's really the only reason I do it.)
I only have to shave once every 2 weeks. (The hair just doesn't grow.)

Las Vegas Going Away

2009-02-25T03:26:00.000-08:00

I guess I'll be playing catch up on my blog and all the other blogs that I read.

Below are some of the pictures from my going away gathering before leaving Vegas. All I will say is that I can't believe I got on the road the next day and drove 15 hours straight on just Coke Zero and Skittles.

You can easily tell as the pictures go from smiles to a drunken sleep on the table. I think everyone had a blast at my expense. It was better leaving than staying there for me. I'll always have Vegas even though I couldn't really cut it.

Next up are pictures from the birthday and an actual up date on how things have turned full circle since I have been here in Portland.

I Took a Month

2009-02-22T23:02:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. It's been a month since I've visited. The Internet is finally working around here and I'm finally off and running here in Portland. I've got plenty of post, pictures, stories and updates.

They'll be tons of them. Hope the blogosphere is doing alright.

In 1 Piece

2009-01-25T09:08:00.000-08:00

My internet access is limited here to almost nothing. I'm updating from my mobile phone.

I'm finally starting to get settle here in Portland. we got some snow last, which is a big change of pace from the Las Vegas weather. It's nice to finally be back up North.

It's been pretty eventless around here though. I finally got out and experienced a little bit of the city last night. I hit up a Trailblazer game and somehow managed to win a few tickets to another sporting event next month.

Besides the welcoming party today, it's going to be quiet around here for a little. I'll try to update again, but the stories are racking up as I speak.

Leaving Tonight

2009-01-20T21:52:00.000-08:00

Adios Las Vegas!

Friday Funny

2009-01-16T13:20:00.000-08:00

It's quiet around here today. Just finished cutting the last of my ties here. Tonight I'm going out to have a good time. I guess you can say that I'm going to have my last hoo-rah as a resident of Las Vegas. Hopefully I'm able to function tomorrow.

Here is some Friday Funny. Watch it til the end.

dance fail @ Yahoo! Video

Are You?

2009-01-15T05:30:00.000-08:00

Are you happy where you are in life right now? Is it where you thought it would be?

Think back to when you were a kid and had a plan for where you thought your life would go. Things like what you wanted to be when you grew up. Who you would marry. How many kids you were going to have. Where you would live for the rest of your life. How tall you would be. Other random things come to mind, but those stand out.

I remember it like it was yesterday. I wanted to be a chef. I wanted to cook all over the world and own restaurants all over the place. Cooking for some of the most famous people in the world. A couple of kids, wife and a nice big house with a driver to drive me around everywhere.

Splat!

Thanks to my 3rd grade teacher for throwing salt on my game. Ruin all my life plans. She told me that being a chef wasn't a credible job and I haven't been able to recover ever since. After that I never had a dream that I could hold onto. It's changed as I've grown older and traveled. I'm sure the state of the world has also molded some of my decisions. I can't really tell where it all comes from, but what I do know is it's changed.

So I asked you, what where your dreams?

Terry Crews

2009-01-14T01:26:00.000-08:00

So I promised a story yesterday and here it goes.

So on Mondays I go to a class at the gym called "Testosterone". The slogan of the class is, "A class to bring out the man in the man.". It has to be some of the most grueling workouts that I've ever done in my life. I'm a pretty tough guy and like to think that I'm in pretty good shape. I don't think that I've ever been able to function after completing one of the classes. I come home, shower and go right to bed for a few hours. By the way the class is at 2 in the afternoon. I can honestly say that unlike most of the meathead guys that have taken the class I've yet to throw up. I've come mighty close though.

Yesterday we had a replacement teacher for some reason. Usually it's a little short guy who kind of looks and sounds like this guy. (I've seen this guy on a couple of shows. Always cracks me up.) I spend a lot of time just laughing to myself because he sounds and acts just like the guy. It's funny how I get a kick out of some of the most random things. His replacement was one of the ladies who takes the class with us. She was just as intense as he is.

Usually when he teaches class he plays Hip-Hop or Rock music while we workout. She brought Techno and threw my entire workout off. It wasn't the point that it was Techno. It was the point that it was Techno to some of the most popular songs. It's crazy how a song can take a different form once it's been "Technoed". We are a little over halfway through with the workout when it happens.

I like to think of it in 3 ways. I had one of the following moments:

"A gay moment."
"A non-black person moment." or
"A White Chicks moment."

When this moment happens we are in the middle of jump roping. The beat comes in with a couple of piano chords and I instantly can tell what song is about come next. Not like some of the others that took me some time to catch on to what was playing. Then the words start blaring from the speakers...

"Making my way downtown, walking fast
Faces pass and I'm home bound

Staring blankly ahead, just making my way
Making a way through the crowd

And I need you
And I miss you
And now I wonder....

If I could fall into the sky
Do you think time would pass me by
'Cause you know I'd walk a thousand miles
If I could just see you
Tonight"

In my head I even mad the sounds in between the verses. Don't even play dumb. You know exactly what I'm talking about. I had this shit-eating grin plaster all over my face. The instructor gives me the weirdest look and without blinking she says, "Everyone down in the pushup position; someone is having way to much fun here today!". I look around just like everyone, pretending to not know who she's talking about. I wish I could tell you that the pushups made me forget that that songs was playing, but I would be lying to you.

I made it through that class in one piece without throwing up again. Afterwards I had to help the instructor take her bag back to her car because it was just too heavy for her to carry. Without missing a beat she asks me, "What was so funny during class?". I explained to her what happened and we were both cracking up in the parking lot, her a little more than me because I was in pain from the workout.

This is the best way for me to explain to you what happened to me during the workout or what went through my mind to make me lose it during class. Here it is... and then this...

So in all fairness I can honestly say. I had a White Chicks moment.

Survivor

2009-01-13T14:09:00.000-08:00

Like Jeff Probst says on Survivor season after season.

"I got nothing for you, return to camp."

Good story for tomorrow. If I have time I'll post it today.

Weekend Round-Up

2009-01-12T06:37:00.000-08:00

This weekend was a little less adventurous than others that I have had. I spent a great deal of time getting the much needed rest and relaxation that I needed.

Friday
I packed some more of my things. I'm finally started to get a direction of how I want to pack things away. I also got to catch a movie at the theater and at home. I went to see The Unborn with my roommate and his brother. I wasn't a bad movie, but it wasn't that a great movie either. Although it was a horror movie there wasn't anything scary about it. I would save my money and catch it when it comes out on DVD. Speaking of DVDs, I rented the new Matthew McConaughey movie, Surfer Dude. I think I lost brain cells watching the movie. There is nothing else to say about the movie, but to not watch it.

Saturday
I learned why warning signs are posted everywhere, even though it was the hard way.

When you go to leave the shower at my gym there is a sign that reads, "Please dry completely off before leaving this area.". I guess I should've followed the rules. Shortly after leaving the area dripping wet I went splat on my ass. I could feel myself falling in slow motion. Luckily I have a little padding in the buttocks area to absorb most of my fall. This time when I fell people actually seemed concerned about me. I totally blame myself for this mishap. I did learn that all I need to do is be half naked and wet and people will help me out. No shit rule goes into effect today. (I'm not kidding either.)

I also attended a birthday party that lasted until 6 AM in the morning. I didn't get to take pictures because we were having such a good time knocking beers back and cracking jokes. A very special "FU" goes to the bartender for skipping through some classic songs.

Sunday
I played catch up on everything.

Today
I will hopefully be about 85% packed and make my rounds to all the places I need to collect valuable information from. Today I will be inspired to be productive.

Food (No Thought)

2009-01-09T04:17:00.000-08:00

"A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti." -- Dr. Hannibal Lecter, "The Silence of the Lambs"

I thought I would just throw that quote out there. Not really sure why, but some how it fits in with rest of the post.

Yesterday after the gym I decided to stop by my neighborhood Albertsons to grab a couple of things from dinner. To my surprise my favorite homeless suitcase packer was slowly but steadily packing his groceries into two suitcases. I run into him a lot. Sometimes I have to move to the other side of the store because of his stench and other times I just see him through the doors and don't bother going in until he leaves.

One of these days I'm going to follow him and see just where he goes. I think that he lives behind the 24 Hour Fitness close to the house. That seems to be the only place where I've seen him walk. I still can't get over the fact that he grocery shops or has the money to do so. He doesn't just buy a couple of things either. He always has a cart full of things. Never meats for obvious reason. It doesn't get that cold during the night. I'm just glad he's not toting beers and cheap wines around the store.

I'm in some sort of way intrigued by the homeless since I never really saw any until I joined the Navy. I always want to know the story behind what got them to this point. Just never really ever had the courage to ask a homeless. Next time I cough up a couple of bucks to one I'm just going to ask.

On a lighter note it's Friday and time for some funny. I saw this on you tube and it brought a smile to my face. Hope it does the same for you. This one's for you LLE. It should put a smile on your face.

Dysfunctional Blog

2009-01-08T17:00:00.000-08:00

I guess I have been having some problems with my blog. I didn't know until someone pointed it out to me. Hopefully things are up and running again.

Gym Rant #6

2009-01-08T04:24:00.000-08:00

Today was another chaotic day at the gym. It just seems like the people just keep coming out of the wood work. It almost looked like some sort of parade in there.

I like the gym. It's my place of release. Most of the time I'm a mellow dude at the gym. Today I had to pull the asshole card out of my back pocket and exercise it on some guy. I'm all for calling dibs on exercise equipment when the gym is packed like it is. What I'm not okay with is some random guy standing over me. Watching me. Breathing hard with his hands on his hips.

So here I am on the situp machine doing my thing. Everytime I went down I saw him. Everytime I came back up I saw. I could have put my arm out and touched the dude he was standing so close. So after about 10 I can't help myself.

Me: Do you mind moving back some. I feel like your almost on me. I'll make sure you get this right after I'm done.

Dude: I'm good. I don't want to get in anyone else's way.

Me: I don't want you to be in anyone else's way either, but I also don't want to feel like you're in my personal space.

Dude: Well if you hurry we both can get what we want.

(If I was a black woman he would have definitely got the "Oh Hell Nall", some neck popping and a little finger waving.) (I'm a guy and trying to learn to act my age and not bark at everyone I see.)

Me: Sure thing buddy.

I pick up the machine and take it an entirely different area. The whole time keeping eye contact with the guy. I take it all the way to the other side of the gym. Do some situps. He follows. I take it back to the other side of the gym. He follows. Finally I give up. I give him the situp machine. I know I'm supposed to be working on being positive, but I can't let this guy win.

So I do what any self-respecting man does. I return the favor. I get as close to him as possible and I stand there. I stand so close with my back to him that if I farted sweat from my ass would pop like popcorn all over his face. After about 5 or 6 situps he just gets message and storms off. As he walks away he makes sure to call me an "asshole". The only thing going through mind was that I wish I would have farted.

"Like popcorn"

Gym Rant #5

2009-01-07T02:23:00.001-08:00

It's that time of year when everyone has decided that they're going to put forth the effort to lose weight or better there health. Too bad it will probably only last a few weeks. For the time being I'll just have to gut it out when I"m at the gym.

I think because I have a workout class at the gym early on Monday I didn't get to see the "New Year" crowd. Today was like one train wreck after another. I couldn't go here or there. I think I bumped into more people than I did workout. Though it might seem as though I'm complaining, I'm happy for all the people who have found inspiration to get off their rump and make a change for the better. I just need them to move a little to the left when I walk by.

In other news the movers are coming by tomorrow to give me an estimate on how much it's going to cost me to move back up North. I got most of everything packed for the most part. Just a little things that I need for right now. I'm officially within 2 weeks of the move. I'm just as pumped to move back as I was to move here. I'm just hoping that I'm not cutting my loses too soon by moving back. The last thing I want is to regret something or miss out on a great opportunity. You only get so many chances.

Would You Mind?

2009-01-05T04:23:00.000-08:00

A little treat arrived today in the form of a dream. This little dream had me getting down and dirty with some of your(my) favorite celebrities. It started off with Bea Arthur and I in a pool of cherry Jell-O. Not really. Just thought I would throw that in there to wake you up.

There was her and her and her and even her in the dream. It's all a little bit jumbled right now. I can't really make out who was doing what, but I do know that everyone was all having a good time. The only thing I remember was walking up sweaty and disillusioned about the whole fiasco.

The only thing I remember was that I was putting a new spin on my bedroom antics. All of sudden I hear my named being screamed/belted from the other room. It turns out it was my soon-to-be-wife Katherine Heigl.

"You're supposed to be at the chapel, dammit!"

"This is supposed to be the happiest day of my life and I have to come and drag your black ass out of bed."

"You better be dying!"

She comes bursting through the door like some kind of action here and there is her and her and her and her frozen as if someone just said, "Say Cheese!". I looked around for a camera man, hopefully having a reason to justify what I was doing. Only there wasn't one, so I did the next best thing anyone in my situation would have done...I panicked and went for the window and here I am now typing this story on the computer.

And before you go judging me, I just want you to think about the current situations in the world. Hey, it’s a crap economy, people are at war, gas prices have finally starting to settle. This stuff is free.

Feel a little better about your fantasies? Everyone wants to use something new out of the spice rack every once in a while…makes something old completely new and interesting again. Give it a shot or at least have one hell of a dreamlike I did. Thanks again ladies. Hopefully I see them tomorrow. I wonder is Sandra Bulluck is available?

Two points if you can tell who sings that title of the blog. It all connects.

Reflections 2008/2009

2009-01-04T06:08:00.000-08:00

Even though I'm a few days late on this one I figured I would post it anyways. I do have a couple of New Year's resolution just like the next guy. My commitment as an individual is not to project, reform any habits, or lifestyle change. It's just to be a better me for me.

Things I'm leaving in 2008:

All the f!cking "Single Ladies". I'm not putting a ring on nothing. Not even your toe.
"Will Smith" movies. Two movies in a row disappointed me. Wild Wild West anyone?
Las Vegas, NV
Madonna, Kanye West, Lindsey Lohan and any other celebrity that I'm sick of hearing about. "What that you say? Tie them up and have them run over by a train. Noooooo."

Things that will stay the same:

Being black.
Blogging. It's the only way I get to get to "exercise the demons".
Going to the gym and staying in shape. Who doesn't have this on their list of things?
Better my education.
Eat Right.

Things I'm taking into 2009:

Kings Of Leon - Only By the Night - The Kings of Leon have achieved something great with this album. This Album is my pick of the year for "Rock Album of the Year", maybe "Album of the Year". A couple of brilliant highlights on the Album are "Use Somebody", "Sex on Fire" and "Cold Desert". Keep in mind this is only mind opinion. I'm entitled to it. (Honerable mention: One Republic - Dreaming Out Loud)
A positive attitude. I don't think I need to elaborate on this one. With all that's going on in the world it's nice to have a great outlook on life. This year try not to let anyone rain on your parade.
Finding a job.
Manage debt/save money.
Volunteer to help others.
Taking a trip somewhere.
Reducing stress.
Be involved (again).
Short term goals. Life is a lot easier this way for me.
Read more books. I made it through 3 this year. One less than last year.
Move!

The lists will probably change as the year progresses, but I plan to stick firm to them all. Just you watch.

The McRib is back!

Change

2009-01-03T23:43:00.000-08:00

The new year has rolled in with a surge of energy. I'm only 4 days into the new year and my life has already starting turning upside down. I guess I shouldn't use the words "upside down", I should say change.

From the blog to my living arrangements. From my underwear to my transportation. Basically everything in my life is about to change.

Currently I live in Las Vegas, NV. The home of prostitutes and casinos. By months end I will be returning to the PACNORWEST to reside again. Only this time it won't be Washington, I'll be making Portland, OR my new home until I'm back and running on my feet. There is a really long story behind the move; sort of a dramatic one. I'm not sure if anyone wants all the details, but it has caused me to pack up my belongings and hit the road.

This month I'll spend most of my time packing, saying my goodbyes and closing out all ties to Las Vegas. By the 21st of this month I hope to be on the road heading up North. It'll be 17 hours of travel time. Just me, the dog and nothing but open road. Kind of reminds me of one of the movies I used to watch as a kid. The guy and his dog take off for a road trip. Most of the time the trips where either to Florida or California. It's 2009, I can take my trip where ever the wind takes me. It just happens to be taking me to Oregon this time.

I'll keep you posted if anything changes. The blogs will still keep coming. I hope that everyone's year is off to a great start.

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T02:41:00.000-08:00

Just stopping by to wish you and yours a Happy New Year. Hope the Holidays were good to you as well.

True Story

2008-12-29T01:37:00.000-08:00

I just finished taking the dog for a nightly walk. We are in our usual spot. The only grass spot in the entire apartment complex, minding our own business. I can here the footsteps approaching, so I leash the dog and wait til they pass.

There is a tall skinny white dude and a short Asian girl. From the way they are walking I assume they are a couple. She's caring a Dunkin' Donuts coffee in her hands. Dude is rocking pajamas. Looks like they are heading out for 4th meal. I unleash to the dog to handle business.

For some strange reason I decide to keep watching them. Like clock work I watch her trip and then fall start to fall. She tries to grab ahold of herself but bounces in between cars and then splat (Note to self: Don't park there.). She went dinging like a ball in a pinball machine. The dude tried to grab her before she ate it, but his reaction time was too slow. She appeared to be okay. Just a little coffee here and there. I wish I would've had my camera. I would've got a picture of the coffee cup and spill for you.

Lesson Learned: Drop the coffee, you can always buy another one.

Below are some pics from this past weekend. Hope everyone had a joyous Christmas.

Joke of the Day/Cover

2008-12-23T13:37:00.000-08:00

One day a wife complained, "This wall clock almost killed my mother today. It fell only seconds after she got up from the couch."

The husband grunted and replied, "The damn clock always was slow."

It's slow day around camp. Saw this video and thought that I would share it with you. Pics from this weekend up tomorrow.

Your To-Do List

2008-12-22T11:12:00.000-08:00

Are you frustrated with Christmas shopping?
Are your relatives getting on your nerves?
Do your curtains match the drapes?
Is your favorite team the Detroit Lions?
Are you tired?
Have you ever regifted something?
Is it wrong to laugh at the Iraqi shoe thrower?
Will you be flying anywhere during the holidays?
Are you worried about putting on weight for the holidays?
Are you single?
Are you wondering like I'm wondering about if man evolved from monkey and apes, why do we still have monkeys and apes?

If you answered "yes" to any of the questions I have a couple of solutions for you.

Slow Down
Are you or your thoughts racing.? Are you shuffling through all your to-do lists? Turn off the television, and your iPod, and that favorite Christmas CD. Sit down take a load off, take a deep breath, and then slowly exhale. Just "be" for a second. Focus on the air coming through your nose, causing your chest to rise and your belly to swell. Let it out slowly. Keep it up until you have found your center.

Grab a Hot Chocolate
Just sip 'em until you get a stomach ache. It'll at least take your mind off your worries.

Winter Walk
Brave the cold. Put on your coat, hat, scarf, gloves, and take a walk. It easy to think of this time of year as dead, but once you are out in the world taking stock of nature or your neighborhood, you might find there's a lot to captivate your attention.

Take it easy folks.

I Did it!

2008-12-20T21:19:00.000-08:00

I did it all on my own. Saturdays don't get much better than this. If there is an end of the year "Dummy Awards", I should sweep all categories.

Sliding Memory

2008-12-19T12:35:00.000-08:00

A couple days ago I was over at Moe's blog. He had a post about things that he missed. Some of the things he could probably get back with a little effort and others were practically out of his reach.

While leaving the grocery store I had a "things I miss moment", in the parking lot. After sacking the groceries I decided to push the cart at full speed like any other testosterone filled man would do. I just wanted to return the cart to the cart return in style. Show the other people putting groceries into their car how cool I still was.

One problem. It snowed the day before and the parking lot was covered in a thin sheet of ice. I guess my gym shoes are only made for running around the track at the gym. They were pretty worthless when it came to stopping the cart. As I slide in the direction of the cart return I felt gravity yank really on hood of my hoodie and down I went. Right on my ass. I wasn't even smart enough to let go of the cart. I held onto the cart as I went down. Luckily my arms worked that day and I didn't get smashed in the face by the cart.

I could feel the pain rushing all over. I had my gym pants on. The cold had made its way through to my underwear. Those adolescent years of peeing in the bed came rushing back. I sprung to my feet and to my surprise no one had saw. Just me, the cart, the ice and the still of the night knew what just happened to me.

Moe asked the question, "You miss anything?". The answer is yes! F!ck yea!

I missed the days when I could fall, lose a tooth, fall out of a tree, never get found in "Hide and Seek", crack my head open, get into a fight and still manage to get back in there without missing a beat.

Now it does work that way. My ass, legs and lower back are killing me right now. I almost cried it hurt so bad. I had to talk myself down. I wanted to go and yell at those people because in the back of my mind I know they saw me fall. I needed my boo-boo kissed.

So thanks Moe for sending me down memory lane. My aging body appreciates it.

A little Friday humor:

I've been saying this for years now that people with cats are crazy.
"This is not a photo shop trick. There aren’t any imaginateers at Pixar that can create this shit. Just when you thought you were having a less than stellar day in the hair department, tah dah. I suggest that everybody print this shit out and stick it in the corner of their bathroom mirrors. We may not always like what we see in it but clap your hands and tell Jesus thank you that you didn’t get dealt these fucking cards."

The caption came with it. Enjoy.

Snow in Vegas

2008-12-18T12:30:00.000-08:00

There are some pretty unusual sites in the Las Vegas. But snow on palm trees stole the show.

It's "RARE", but it happened. Snowfall has blanketed Las Vegas, causing a lot of commotion. Cancelling all flights in and out of the city, snarling traffic and dusting palm trees and marquees along the Strip and neighborhoods.

Most of the time you have to travel to the mountains to see the snow or take a trip back to WA, and now I don't have to. I have my fix for now at least. I kept sticking my tongue out to catch snowflakes outside just to make sure it was real. The dog had a blast running around too.

Tourists and locals handed off cameras, taking turns snapping pictures for posterity.

If you have received any snow from Santa yet, it still might be coming.

Pooped & Pissed

2008-12-17T12:38:00.000-08:00

If someone would've told me the smell from the homeless guy in the grocery store would haunt me in my dreams last night, I would've laughed in their face.

I can't really recall what I was dreaming about last night. All I know is that I woke up to paws in my face. I kind of scared the crap out of me. I jump up and threw the covers off me and this horrible smell embodied the entire room. I want to hurl. The first thing that runs through my mind is a flashback to the homeless guy that was grocery shopping. The second thing is what kind of horrible crap is my roommate microwaving(He doesn't cook, but he microwaves everything.) at this time in the morning.

In the back of my mind I knew what the smell was. I just didn't want it to be true. Dogs usually pant in the night for a couple of reason. None of which you want to be awaken for. If you haven't guessed it already by the title, I spent the night cleaning up poop. Not once, not twice, but three times. The later included pee.

So now I'm nursing a sick dog, cleaning like a mad man and trying to enjoy the snow outside. It's Vegas people and we got snow for Christmas. Who knew?

I hope all is well in the blogoshphere. Off to get some more cleaning products and some hot chocolate.

My Gym Partner's a Monkey

2008-12-16T14:05:00.000-08:00

First of all, let me just say that I spend entirely too much time at the gym. Secondly, if you're going to the gym and working up a sweat, you have a right to look as bad as you want. If you run farther or lift better wearing your old short shorts, that's fine. I am a big believer in hitting the gym to work out, not trying to win a fashion contest.

However, maybe you're meeting an old friend there (or hoping to meet that cute girl/guy in your spinning class), and you want to look your best. Or, perhaps you just like to look good no matter what you're doing. I don't find that there's nothing wrong with that either, but my gym buddy does.

For the sake that one day he happens to read this we will call the dude, Jake Spidermonkey(If you have kids you might know this one.). I meet the dude a few weeks back after he dropped a 45 pound weight on my my back. I was 2 seconds away from losing it, but didn't for some reason. There is something about having the police called on you and being hauled off in front of the couple hundred people at the gym that makes you second guess your choices. I guess the old man in me was present that day. Long story short we became workout partners.

So me and Spidermonkey work out probably twice a week together, sometimes three times a week and every workout session is some sort of an adventure. I seem to be drawn to loud and sometimes quirky people, but I'm thinking I should've continued working out by myself. Some of the stuff that comes out the dude's mouth is just down right foul. Not to mention his inside voice is always some where outside.

He spends a lot of time making fun of the guys who do their hair and the girls wearing makeup, which doesn't make since because his old lady is caked in makeup too. Yesterday dude seemed to have a problem with just about everyone, but the one thing that kept coming out his mouth was, "I'm dead serious.".

Dead serious!? Can anyone tell me what's the origin of the term "dead serious"? I've never really gotten the phrase "dead serious". What exactly is it supposed to mean? You're so dead, it's serious? Or that you're so serious, you're dead? Dead is used in a vast number of figurative senses, some of which make sense and some of which are a bit more obscure. Obscure as in "dead perfect," "dead broke," "dead tired," and "dead drunk".

It's not that serious of a question. I just wanted to know if anyone knew where and why we came to put "dead" in front of words.

Spidermonkey didn't know either, said it just sounds right. I wonder if he would've had and answer if I ask him about his girlfriend wearing makeup. Another day, another time.

This "Buds" 4 U

2008-12-15T11:36:00.000-08:00

I played catch up this weekend on everyone's blog. I came across some that were pretty uplifting and down right too adorable for words. On the flip side I came across some that the complete opposite, but there was one that got under my skin. I'm not sure why, but it did for some reason. I will not point fingers or even give a blog link to this said blog entry. I will merely address it and leave it alone.

Here goes. Below is a snippet of the blog entry that set me off Saturday morning.

"She owns 29 sets of Victoria's Secret bras with matching thongs or V strings. We didn't even count the non Victoria's Secret ones. She owns every color you can imagine. She actually has a big drawer for her bras and a separate big drawer for her panties."

I'm all for matching panties and bras. Hell, I don't care if they match as long as you had some accessible to you when needed. What I don't like is reading about them. I'm a visual man. I like to see them just like the next man and when I say that I like to see them that's just what I mean.

I don't want to see them laid out on the bed, in a drawer, held up by your accomplice, on hangers, in a pile on the floor, on my head or even on display at a store. I want to see them for what they are used for. They better be connected to some sort of flesh, because that's the whole purpose for them anyways or am I wrong here? I think not.

Really there is only one time I want to see panties in bras and that's when they are on the floor after me ripping them off of you. I literally mean ripping them. If you have good ones, I travel with scissors too. I know what some of you women are thinking.

"Oh, Hell no he didn't just say!".
"I wish someone would rip of my expensive bra and panties!"
"Kiss my ass!" (No one does it says it like Whitney Houston)
"Wait til you go to sleep tonight."
"Jails not that bad."
"He's kinky!"

With all the reactions out of the way, I'm only keeping it real for the time being. Maybe when I'm in my pudding state it will be okay just to see them in any form. Until I can't muster up enough energy to get out my wheel chair the save to sex-ed faux picture show for junior high.

Shoutouts to Mars, Mo and the "guy" who created Victoria secret.

I know some of you are also thinking what the hell does the title and pictures have to do with this post. People love to see a cute little baby. Nothing screams life like a baby. People love puppies with all there heart. Nothing screams cute like the playfulness of a new puppy. And people also love to see beer for some reason. Usually its connected to a drunk dude/chic. Nothing says a good time like an alcoholic beverage, my choice is Michelob Ultra. Those are three things that people love to see and seem to be consumed with, so if you are mad at me after this post just revisit the pictures at the top.

Jizz in my Pants

2008-12-12T13:39:00.000-08:00

It's going to hopefully be a quiet weekend around here or at least that's what I'm planning. I'm going to catch me a movie tonight and definitely grab myself a few beers afterwards. Hope all is well out there.

Here is some Friday Funny.

Been Awhile/Just Friends

2008-12-11T11:30:00.000-08:00

It's been sometime since I put up a post, so I decided to come by and write a little about what was on my mind. I'll try to put up some recent pictures and talk a little more about what going on with me. Until I get that post completed I decided to talk about something that recently happened to me. While catching up with an "old" friend it came up in conversation too so I decided to talk about this today. What do you do when someone says to you, "I just want to be friends."?

I'm sure a flurry of things start to run through your head when you hear this. Maybe some tears start to flow. Something might even get thrown. In this day and age anything is possible. Who knows? Do you?

If you are the person getting the news:

What did I do to make this happen?! Will I be able to just his or her friend? F!ck you, buddy!

If you are the person delivering the news:

Is this the right choice? The biggest question is "What to do?".

Recently I've been hanging out with this chic. Nothing too serious. Just casually dating and feeling each other out, but during the course of feeling her out I've come to the decision that we would make better friends than lovers.I'm sure you're thinking that things like this happen and I'm quite sure they do, but just not to me. I'm 99.9% sure that she is way more into me than I'm into her and that's where the complication begins. The other problem is she works for one of the urban radio stations here in town. The last thing I want is to be put on "blast" during her shift on air.

Can you be just the person's friend and talk to them occasionally?Can this work?

Chances are not but for some it's worth trying because maybe you will be one of the few that can handle this situation. I just don't want her holding on with the hopes of getting together,setting herself up for lots of pain. I rarely ever change my mind. That's why I think it's important to tell the her that we cannot talk to for awhile. If the she gets upset...oh well. You need to take care of me. Is it wrong?

I don't want to stay with her you knowing my feelings have changed. I guess I'm overall concerned about finding the best way to tell her.

Playing Ketchup

2008-11-19T16:09:00.000-08:00

Seems like I had a little longer than expected weekend or maybe it's all in my head. I've been meaning to come on here and update, but my sleeping habits are all over the place again. I can't seem to stay awake. It's like I eat, school and sleep.

Last week and this weekend seemed to all be bunched up in some kind of chaotic wind storm. I'm still wearing my socks though. With my friends visiting from Washington and having me parade down the Vegas strip drinking and eating everything in sight, I couldn't seem to ever get back on track for the rest of the week.

I got the chance to check out The Last Comic Standing tour. It was actually better than expected. I thought that they were going to do the same jokes from the show, but was surprised by some of the new material. I laughed from start to finish. Some of the people that I went with didn't seem to have the same emotional response that I expected them to have. I guess since I watched them for weeks on TV, it was a little easier for me to relate to what was going on. I laughed so hard during some of the jokes I worked myself into one of those uncomfortable moments where you have like 2 seconds to make it to the bathroom. Needless to say I made it and the waitress was able to hold on to her drinks. Sorry!

I also attended my buddies wife's birthday party. It was a change of pace from the usual. It was quiet and peaceful. There were no politics spoken of, just glasses of Sangria and some of the best appetizers floating around. It was slow I didn't even think to pull out the camera and take pictures. The night did end with a little drama when it came time to leave. I'm sure everyone has that guy that never wants to give up his keys. He was clearly drunk. As I watch him try so hard not to show any signs of intoxication, I couldn't help but feel sorry for the dude. Luckily we were able to get those keys from him and save his life and whoever he would have hurt on his trek home.

There is the rundown folks.

If you haven't seen the new James Bond movie or Role Models, put them both on your, "2 Do List".

Night @ Mist Lounge

2008-11-14T02:47:00.000-08:00

Location

Mist Lounge inside Treasure Island Casino

Reason

Another group of friends visited from Washington. The two girls got free airline tickets and hotel accommodations. The guy is her for work 4 days a week and flies between LA and WA.

Events that Occurred

The night started out at Outback with dinner and continued across the street at the Mist Lounge. The Mist Lounge is a very low-key, chill and arguably laid back spot. All you need to do is was overlook the over sized lace panties that were visibly showing on a petite woman. Sure her friends probably saw it, but when they all seemed to look and dress alike it makes competing easier. As the shots got knocked back, the beers got downed and the appetizers were being eaten the good vibes flowed and old memories surfaced. Some memories were good and some should have stayed swept under the rug.

With the good vibes comes lightening bolts and thunderstorms. I wish there was some kind of weather warning of what was supposed to come. With alcohol comes politics and with politics comes arguments and with arguments comes unnecessary awkwardness. I should've learned my lesson from all the other times but I just can't help myself. Eventually we were able to get back on track and enjoy the rest of the night.

Lesson Learned

When friends come into town to visit, drinking is not and option.
Don't ever discuss politics.

Playing Around

2008-11-13T17:08:00.001-08:00

As I said in the earlier post I'm going to start trying new things with the blog. It's been the same for awhile now and I thought it was time for a change. I got a new format for writing the post too. Some I came up with on my own and some I stole from other sites. If you seem some of your stuff on here, give yourself a round of applause.

I've been playing around with this blog all day and it's almost time for me to hit the gym for the night. I gotta burn all those burgers I ate this week somehow.

Hopefully tonight I'm able to get the pictures from the other night on here. I'm not making any promises because the DVR is full and I need to catch up at some point before it starts deleting things.

It's been a pretty slow week of me and I'm glad of that. Hope all is well out there. Keep the peace and if you happen to have some tequila, take a shot for me. Be Free.

Frown don't Smile. Keeps'em on their toes.

Updating

2008-11-12T11:30:00.000-08:00

It's that time again folks. The look of the blog is starting to bore me. I think it's time for a new look and a new format of writing. I need something that going to set my blog apart from all the rest.

I haven't put my finger on it, but hopefully some sort of vision comes to mind soon. If you have any suggestions shoot them my way. I'm not saying that I will use them, but fresh ideas from another mind always helps.

Weekend Update/Visitors in Town (Nope, it's not Mo.)

2008-11-10T15:05:00.000-08:00

I have visitors in town for the next couple of days so I'll be away from the blog. I've taken a lot of pictures to post so that should be good times. Hope all is well and that life isn't kicking too much ass.

Robin Thicke @ HOB Las Vegas, Nevada

2008-11-09T13:29:00.000-08:00

So last night I got to attend another concert. Two in one week I'm on a roll this week. I think I better slow down, I'm not sure if my back and knees can take all of this. This time around I got to go see Robin Thicke. He's probably a hand full of white guys that sing R&B and pull it off well.

The venue was basically full with people even standing on the stairwells. I would like to see what an emergency exit would look like in there.

We had general admission floor tickets. We stood the entire time but the performance was completely worth it. Robin Thicke didn't disappoint. He wooed and charmed his way through his roughly 80-minute show Saturday evening at the House of Blues.

Backed by a tight seven-piece band that Thicke often cued as if directing them.The happy-go-lucky numbers had many ladies singing along and getting their panties all in a bunch. Mostly he let his slick, dim-the-lights, mood-setting songs do the talking, but occasionally I think he thought he was at home with he off centered air grinding.

As the set came to a close, the singer naturally saved his best for last. The biggest response came from "Lost Without U" which Thicke wisely gave the crowd some lines to perform. He returned for an encore of 3 or 4 songs which included, "Brown Sugar" by D'Angelo, "Let's Stay Together" by Al Green and "A Milli" by Lil Wayne. Who knew the dude could rap?

I will say the night was "Thicke" with soul.

Check out "Lost Without U".
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Things of interest:

To the lady that stood behind me the whole time complaining. You could've letft and taken the your husband and his red satin suit and red alligator shoes home.
To whoever gets that $6.50 I spent per beer, your welcome.
To the 2 ladies who complained when someone walked by them, "Go to hell!". You were standing on the stairwell.
To the guy who was trying so desperately to pick up ladies. Having a Super Bowl ring on your hand helps only when people actually know who you are.

Ludacris @ Hard Rock Las Vegas, NV

2008-11-07T10:36:00.000-08:00

Last night I got a call while catching up on my DVRd shows and eating dinner. A friend of my was on the other end asking me if I wanted to go to a concert. I was a little reluctant since all the other concerts I've been to here have been bogus. After a little pleading and then saying that Ludacris would be there, I decided to get off my rump and go ahead to the concert. At least this way if it were bad I would definitely have a reason to not ever have to attend another one.

After getting lost and being about 15 minutes late I finally arrived at the concert. That's probably one of the best things about concerts, they never seem to start on time.

Ludacris hits the stage and starts pumping out rap after rap. Ludacris is renowned for his quick delivery and over-the-top explicit lyrics. Tonight he didn't disappoint. Sharp-witted delivery changes between Ludacris, his hype man and the DJ kept the pace chaotic and entertaining. He did a mix of old, new and some versus of songs he has been featured on. I do have to say I've never seen a rapper smile as much as he did. I guess when you got it, you got it.

During the concert he gives his hype man a chance to rap and his DJ a chance to show his skills and just when you think the concert is about to be over out comes Tommy Lee of Motley Crue and Dave Navarro of Jane's Addiction to rock out to a few songs with Ludacris. I will say this one thing about the two of them, they didn't look like what you see on television. Tommy Lee came out pounded a bottle of Jagermeister and passed it out into the audience. Everyone wanted to get a sip for some strange reason. I just passed it along. At least you know where Tommy Lee's mouth has been part of the time, everyone else not so much. Dave Navarro couldn't contain himself. He kept rushing to the women in the front row and laying kissing on the ones which I assumed he felt where attractive.

The streamline through four songs, "Move B!tch", "Get Back", "Money Maker", and "Stand Up". It was worth leaving the house to see. Ludacris and company did a solid one-hour set worth seeing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Things of interest:

I lost my keys while there, but was lucky enough to find them.
One of the girls I was with was lucky enough to catch one of those kisses from Dave Navarro. You would have thought he asked to marry her from her reaction.
3 groupies from Venezula were escorted back stage after they kept grabbing at the hype man's crotch. It was his birthday. I know he had a good one later that night.
A random drunk guy was spilling drinks all over everyone. Ironically he ended up with the bottle of Jagermeister at the end of the concert.

No Title

2008-11-05T10:06:00.000-08:00

I haven't had much time to post recently. The doctors appointments got a little hectic this week, maybe a little overwhelming at times.

I don't want to put too many words on here, so I'll break the numerous things down in bullets.

Still have a ton of appointments left. While having my heart evaluated the doctors have found something on one of my lungs. I haven't gone back in yet, but I did a little research online and I don't have any of the severe symptoms mentioned.
The girl at the gym didn't work out, but I did decide to take the front desk clerk out that works at the gym. We've hung out a couple times, nothing too serious though.
Played dress up for Halloween and got a little wasted and pulled an all nighter. I was too drunk to take any pictures of anything. Damn you, Patron! The next day sucked because I didn't have any bread to soak up the alcohol. Serves me right for not allowing bread in the house.
Started a new book, The Soloist by Steve Lopez. It seems pretty good so far.
My computer crashed killing off just about everything on my computer. I never thought I would be one of those people. It also has caused my iPod to go haywire. I haven't been about to get a good workout in since.
Caused a ruckus in a hard rock bar by playing light rock and rap music.
Wasting too much money at the movie theatre on lame movies.

I guess this is all for now. I'll have more later today. I'll give a little more detail to the bar story.

Another Day

2008-10-29T08:34:00.000-07:00

Well it's the second day of heading off to the doctors. Today I'm going to the doctors to get another evaluation on my heart murmur. This one may sound crazy, but this is the only time I really enjoy going to see a doctor. People seem to treat you better anytime you use the word "heart" in a hospital environment. It's almost like being a rockstar, but without the fame, money and groupies.

I've had a murmur for a really long time now. It still seems to be a mystery why no one had ever diagnosed me before 8 years ago and it's still a mystery where it came from. Recently I was diagnosed with anemia, which goes hand and hand with heart murmurs. It also makes since for me always feeling fatigued too, but I'm no doctor so don't take my word on it. In this day in age you can find just about anything on the Internet. I guess I'll call it "Ace's diagnostic" for now.

I'll be getting the following done today:

Electrocardiogram (ECG), which measures the electrical activity of the heart
Chest X-rays to see if the heart is enlarged due to heart or valve disease
Echocardiography, which uses sound waves to map the heart structure

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Yesterdays trip to the doctors was pretty depressing. I had to head to my local VA Clinic before I could go and see the real doctors. I've always wondered what happens to all the military folk, I got a real good look at the ones in bad shape. It's amazing how people let themselves go after the military. I'm not saying that all people do, but the majority of the ones that crossed my path yesterday were.

It ranged from a guy that couldn't control his shaking to fill out his contact information. He looked worse than a child coloring at a restuarant. He dhocked so much he broke the pen. I wanted to go over and right for the guy, but resisted the urge to save the day. There was another guy who was obviously over weight. He was "Biggest Loser" overweight. He was rambling on about being placed on a heart donor list. I felt bad, but the only thing that was running through my mind was, "If you lost weight life would improve for you instantly.". of course I didn't say that to him. I wrap this one up with really quick because I've be summoned to the doctors office early and need to get out the door.

I didn't Proofread.

We almost...

2008-10-28T08:05:00.000-07:00

had some morning dew on the ground. Not actually, but the cold front is finally on it's way. It's almost the first we of November and it's still a high of 80 degrees here.

The past week has been one big blur. I've been pretty busy, which really is a good thing for me. Got to finally catch a couple of movies, take in some good food, and eat some of the best yogurt on this side of the coast. I could be exaggerating a little bit on the yogurt, but it was pretty good.

This week and probably next will be spent at the doctors. I'll be doing the finishing touches of my final military evaluations. It'll range from giving blood to seeing a shrink about my insomnia. It'll be good to finally get all this stuff over. I'm still not sure if I'm fully ready to cut the ties yet. To be truthful, I kind of miss it. There is nothing like having a since of pride for the years served.

I'll have to post a few pics of the pumpkins outside the door.

You Women Folk/ Gym Rant #4

2008-10-22T09:48:00.000-07:00

I finally got tired of the gym I was at and decided to switch my over to an all new gym. It has everything at this new and it's all open 24 hours a day. It has everything that you could want and not want in a gym.

The meatheads that scream and over exaggerate while lifting I can pass on. The little dudes in the tight fitting clothing that show off the nothing. I'll also pass on the acne. Everyone knows acne is a sign of substance abuse (steroids). You're not fooling anyone it's written all over you face, no pun intended. Last but not least I'll pass on the old guys and their old balls in the locker room. "Use the towel, man!"

One thing that I would like to have passed on was the conversation the three women were having while at the deli. It seemed like I couldn't scarf down that smoothie and sandwich fast enough. I sometimes think women just do it for the hell of it. Just for kicks. I ask you why was I subjected to listening to them talk about the guys they were dating. It range from any and everything. They talked about going south, manscaping (grooming), size and the G-spot.

Nowadays women seem to be anything, but discreet. Guys may give a shrug or a thumbs up when asked how she was last night, but girls well cover every gory, ghastly and down right dirty detail. "C'mon".

I beg of you as a guy, "Please, stop giving the lowdown on our performance in the cold light of the day. At least wait til the sun goes down to embarrass us." If you can't help yourself, please don't do it at the gym. I don't want to be the dope who comes out of the locker room, give you a kiss on the cheek, not knowing everyone in the deli knows the lowdown on our sex life. Damn the bad luck, just glad it wasn't me.

I saw the chic from this night. I'm thinking another date.

Happy-Not-So-Birthday

2008-10-18T13:26:00.000-07:00

Here are the pics from Thursday Birthday that party that I promised. I'm still trying to get use to mid week partying. I guess that's just old age coming on.

The night was filled with some people that I liked and some that I didn't, but I put on my best face and made the most of it. I'm usually pretty good at that as long as no one provokes me. I thought I was so cool smoking the cigar. Check my eyes out. Glad the camera didn't catch me coughing up a lung.

Highlights of the night included:
1. A piece of 8 layer cake from Claim Jumpers.
2. Some of the best BBQ teriyaki chicken.
3. Tampa Bay vs Boston baseball game. (Comet I was rooting like you told me to. I think I scared a few people because I was yelling at the flat screen in the bar.)
4. Beer
5. Obviously the cigars. (The smoke blowing was just for kicks. I don't normally do it, but it was a birthday so I did.)
6. The birthday boys wife causing a scene. (Not one, not twice, not three times. I lost count in there somewhere. I'm glad there was a fire pit outside to enjoy.)
7. The birthday boy crying. (Who cries on their birthday?)
8. Some asking my roommate if he was wearing skinny jeans. (They weren't exactly skinny jeans, but they were a little snug. I think I laughed all night.)
9. 2 people from Alaska being in the bar.
10. Everyone making fun of my roommates new girlfriend. (I don't think one person understood what she was saying.)
11. My bed.

Today I'm going on a hike with the dog. If not we are just going to do for a long walk. I think we both need to clear our heads for a change.

It's Friday

2008-10-17T11:57:00.000-07:00

It's Friday and it's time for me to chill for a couple of days. Try and get some extra much needed shut eye.

Got some new pictures to post from a birthday party last night. A couple good stories to go along with them too. Hopefully I can get them up this week or I might wait to Monday.

All I will say is that I think it's time for me to start hitting the town with the 30 and above crowd. I need people who are set in life and not still running around with their heads cut off.

More to come and hope your weekend rounds out to be something blog worthy. Take it easy folks.

Drinks on me this week.

Setting Black Folks Back

2008-10-16T15:12:00.000-07:00

I'm always on the web looking at videos. I had to share this with you. I couldn't let this pass. Watch for the unthinkable to happen. Don't pay attention to the music or what she is singing, just watch the video and wait for the magic.

Gym Rant #3

2008-10-16T13:48:00.001-07:00

So as usual I was in the gym last night getting my last bit of cardio in. I had the iPod blaring some Kanye West, I was sweating like a pig and trying my best to keep from falling off the machine. I had my head down most of the time because I didn't want anyone to see me mouthing the words. I picked my head up to find this lady on the thigh abductor. I'm still not sure if this piece of equipment should be allowed in the gym. I do know that men should steer clear of it.

The lady, not the one above, but a different lady was just going at it on the machine. She pushed out and then released in and repeated what seemed like a million times. I was happy that I was behind her because and could only see her back. The last thing you want to do is be the guy who gets caught checking out the chic's crotch(Is there another name for that area?) area. There are a lot of things I want to be when I grow up. That is not one of them. When I was younger I probably would have went and sat in front of her. There was no shame in my game. Just put it out there. If they bite fine, if not their regret. Now I'm a little more reserve avoid this machine at all cost.

As I'm powering my way through my work up I look up and spot a older couple working out. The couple is doing some form of a leg curl on the machine. The guys wife is lying face down doing the exercise. He on the other hand is not paying any attention to his wife. He is trying his best to peek at the lady on the thigh abductor. He looks at the lady and then his wife. He repeats this over and over and over. I look around to make sure that I'm not the only one who sees this guy looking. I am. Dammit, I just needed conformation from someone else, but I was the only one who saw the dude. It went on the whole time she was on the machine.

I not really sure what part about the dude that annoyed me. I'm all down for catching a look, but dude acted like he'd never seen anything like it before. I wanted to get off the stair climber, go get him, put his head in between her legs and give him a lesson on what's down there.

She eventually moved to another piece of equipment in front of me and my annoyance went away only for it to happen to me. I guess with the thigh abductor comes the thigh adductors. It's basically the same machine but it goes in the opposite direction. Right in front of me. She would go in and then out. I couldn't help but look. I looked down, up, at the treadmills, the magazine I had. I just couldn't stop looking. It was like a magnet folks pulling me in ever so slowly. Finally I just removed myself off the machine to make it easier on me. I could just seeing getting asked to leave the gym for violating someone.

I guess the moral of the story is... "Don't judge until the chic's crotch is in your face."

Damn the irony.

I Got My Thoughts Back/ Sunday Memories #3

2008-10-15T13:28:00.000-07:00

I hadn't really had anything to post about recently. I just couldn't get my head around one central idea to construct a blog entry.

While I was spinning away in spin class this morning all kinds of stuff started to pour in my head. I guess that's what happens when you get up early in the morning, the juices start flowing. The brain stops jiving you and does what it's suppose to. As the music jammed in the background and I watched all the seniors around struggle to get the bike rolling, several things registered.

1. What the hell am I doing up so early.
2. What am I doing in this class with these people
3. I wonder if she can feel that wedgie.
4. My nuts hurt and I still have 45 minutes left of this class.
5. I should have slept in.
6. Where the hell is the blond lady from Dirty Dancing.

Number six is what made me think of this post. Over the weekend they were playing Dirty Dancing nonstop. I remember the first time my grandmother made us watch it. I never really knew what I was watching. I was just a kid who wanted to go outside and run rampant. I just thought it was a movie about some odd dancing that I could never do. They were moving in ways a 6 year old could only imagine.

I can still hear my grandmother screaming for us to cover our eyes every time the dancers started to bump and grind. I really think she did this so that we couldn't see her lusting for Patrick Swayze and his feathered hair. I guess there was something about a shirtless psuedo-tough guy that got her going. If only I could have taken my eyes of the screen I could have discovered her ugly little secret. I on the other hands was trying to peep through my finger to get a glimpse of the blond. Damn Baby! She was never the really the star of the movie to me. It was all about the blond lady even though for the love of me I couldn't figure what the big deal was about her stomach that made everyone come over and wait outside. I guess that's what being naive does for you.
Watching the few scenes that I watched put me back in my childhood. As I watched those hips of hers swaying to the right and then to the left and then again to the right and then back to left, I couldn't help but wonder where the hell she is today. There are a lot of things that get my blood running, but a blond and 80's hip movements, a one piece leotard, stocking and high heels to send me over the edge. There was something magical about the movements. How I wished I could've been Swayze just for one take of the movie.

Dear Cynthia Rhodes(the blond from the movie)

Even though I have no clue where you are at this very moment in time. I just wanted to let you know that you were my first "out of race"(That's how I thought of it when I was 6. Don't judge me people.) crush which would later be eclipse by Michelle Pfeiffer wearing that catsuit in Batman Returns and list has grown over the years. I just want you to know you were the first and you'll always have a special place in "heart".

I got 6 on it!

2008-10-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

No Name tagged me to play this game. It goes a little somethin' like this: I am suppose to tell you six random facts about me. So here we go....

1. I clean the sink before washing dishes.
2. I've been saying the same exact prayer for 15 years.
3. I don't drink Kool-Aid or eat watermelon because the are stereotypical for my culture. Now if I could only give up chicken life would be complete.
4. When I get heated my country accent becomes present. If only those f4. When I get heated my country accent becomes present. If only those f$&*ckers who cut me off could here me.
5. I do jumping jacks/situps/pushups during commercial breaks while watching the biggest loser. I feel guilty if I just watch and don't do anything.
6. I asked the dog everyday about how the day went, even though I know the dog was in the house sleeping.

You got 6?

New Blogs

2008-10-09T07:22:00.000-07:00

Well my mind is fried today. Can't really think of anything right now, so I decided to hip you to some new blogs that I'm reading. Share a little goodness with you and also promote someone elses shyt.

Keep in my what entertains my thought might not be your thing. I'm a random dude like that.

Here are my new finds:

Life, Love & Lola
Her description: Enjoying My Fabulous Life and Being The Person My Dog Thinks I Am!
What I think: Though her recent post have been rants, hell her rants are what the blog should be known for. They are quite witty and her recent post about Rachel Ray dog food giving her dog the shits had me rolling on the floor.

Wesblog
His description: N/A
What I Think: Random thoughts of a ex-frat guy who thinks of bars, beers and lessons of fun. He doesn't post alot, but the substance is there.

The Palm Isle
His description: No Moe Politics! I'm pretty much W.T. living in a white collar crowd.
What I Think: I think his title speaks for itself. In a day in age when most bloggers that I find are women, it's nice to have a guys guy type of opinion. He doesn't post daily, more of a once a week thing. We also share Slick.

Tipsy Nikki
Her description: Rampant Ramblings of a Pseudo- Vegetarian.
What I think: One hell of a narrative writer. Her intersting point of view about being a vegetarian and her boyfriend who dreams of deer heads in the bedroom prove for quite a laugh.

Life of Justin
His desription: I quit my office job to become a blogger, travel the world and share my adventures.
What I think: His description is pretty dead on. He just quite his job and somehow is going to make a living blogging and traveling the world. I'm planning on taking notes.

Give the blogs a shot and lets keep blog on blog crime down.