9/1/06 at 2pm

Am I the only one who thinks there is something wrong with the following picture?

I got a call at 409am this morning. I knew who it was - so positive in fact that it crossed my mind to answer the phone, "Ok, I'll be there as soon as I can." I didn't, just in case, but I was right. It was work, and they wanted me to come in early to help. Truthfully, I had been up since 3am tossing and turning, so really, it was ok.

I got there at 5am, clocked in and began working.

And there I stayed, working my ass off, without a break, until 730pm.

14.5 hours. WITHOUT A BREAK.

I did eat though. Around 1pm I had 5 bites of my fruit salad I brought for breakfast. And really, the only reason I got to do that was because I said to the charge nurse, "Either you watch my patient for 5 minutes or I pass out."

But during that 5 minutes I made a phone call. A phone call that is very important to my mental health. I scheduled my interview for tomorrow at 2pm. That 5 minutes right there was easily the best part of my day.

After yesterday and today at work, I NEED this job. I can't continue to do this - to be run into the ground each and every day. It's not right to dread going to work. It's not right that your job makes you cry. It's just not right...

And it's nobody's fault, really. There are just too many patients and not enough rooms to put them in or people to take care of them.

For example, the record number of deliveries for our unit was set last month at 292. Well, when I left tonight, we were at 311. Not only did we break the record, we blew the friggin' doors off it. 1 more baby and we'll have beat it by 20. 20 babies - can you even imagine?!

So please keep your fingers crossed and send good thoughts at 2pm tomorrow. I need this, or I'll continue on the fast track to serious burn out.

Facing my fear....again

Last Saturday was somewhat monumental as I got to meet Lou Ferrigno. As you may have gathered, I was scared of the Incredible Hulk as a kid. Again, that was when I was a kid, but not for a long time. Now I get the opportunity to meet someone who still scares me today. This Sunday there is a comic convention here in town. They have this same convention every three months in the same place and as a kid, I used to go all the time. It has been probably 15 years since I have gone to one of these. Jessica is off Sunday so I figured, let's go. Then I saw the guest list. Who will be there?

None other than Tony Todd. The only guy who gives me chills just looking at him. Why? Well, Tony Todd in case you don't know is the lead character in the Candyman movies. Candyman, in case you don't know, is much like the Bloody Mary stories - say his name five times in the mirror and he will appear to kill you. It scared the crap out of me like no other movie ever did. Why? I don't know. I have always been scared of mirrors in one way or another so this was the ultimate scare ride. After this movie, I was afraid to look at a mirror because I might accidently THINK his name. That is how scared I was of him and STILL am today. He has a fairly big role in THE ROCK, one of my favorites, and he even scares me to look at him in that movie simply because of Candyman. In fact, I'm getting chills now. So, this Sunday, I can meet him and get his autograph. Will that make things worse or better? I don't know. Wish me luck....

UMMM....

Did the text on this page suddenly get way smaller for everyone else? I don't know what I did, but i know I might have hit something by accident while trying to capitalize something. Or am I the only one who thinks everything suddenly looks smaller?

The Empire invades Vegas

More photoshop experiments....

Good News!

I always call Manuel on my way to the car when I get off work. We talk about our days, sometimes all the way home. Today he gave me some VERY good news - and after the crazy busy day I had at work today, it was seriously welcome...

My dream job called and they want to schedule an interview!!

Like I said, after today, this news couldn't have come at a better time!

So tomorrow at work, assuming I get a lunch, unlike today, I'll call them back and hopefully schedule an interview for Friday (Is that tacky - calling for an interview for another job while at your current job? Ah, who cares...)

Rock Star Supernova

All Summer, Jessica and I have been watching Rock Star Supernova. In case you don't know what it is, it is like American Idol, but about 1000% better as they are singing rock songs instead of the usual crap they sing on Idol. The contestants are competing to be the lead singer of supergroup Supernova with Tommy Lee, Jason Newsted, and Gilby Clark. It has been a great show and it is now down to the final six with another elimination coming tonight. This is the order I HOPE that the final six get eliminated. I am not saying this is how it WILL happen, but what I want.

6. Storm - She has a great voice. She's hot. I just think that tonight is the end of the road for her. I wish it was Dilana instead actually, but I'm okay with Storm finally going as she has gone about as far as she deserves to go.







5. Dilana - She has been getting on my nerves the last couple of weeks and I don't really think that her perfomances have gotten any better. They have been good, but the same thing every week. I am ready for her to go.








4. Lukas - This is where it gets hard. I think Lukas is awesome, but I don't really care for him outside of his awesome performances.










3. Toby - Pretty much just a sentimental vote as I really like this guy. His performances are fun, he seems like a genuinely good guy, and he works hard. His voice isn't the best out of everyone, but I am going to be sad to see him go when the time comes.






2. and 1. - I hope it comes down to Ryan and Magni as I think they both rock. They both have put on absolutely stunning, memorable performances. They are the only two who have given me chills with some of their songs. They are truly awesome and I really don't care which of the two win. I will only be disappointed for the one who doesn't.



Unfortunately, I somehow see Dilana making it into the final two - maybe even with Lukas. I hope not. I'd be pissed. The group will be coming to Arco and I won't go see them with Lukas or Dilana. Well, maybe Lukas if the album is really kick ass......

Nerd Alert Post

Back in December, I wrote an article because I was pissed off that the USPS was releasing stamps with images of those crappy characters from DC Comics. I wrote that Marvel characters would have been better choices and I gave my choices for 10 Marvel characters as opposed to 10 DC characters.

I suggested Wolverine, Spiderman, Hulk, Captain America, Punisher, Thing, Thor, Silver Surfer, Ghost Rider, and Gambit. Thankfully, USPS has officially announced that next year, they will release Marvel stamps! Well, I got 6 out of 10 right according to the official release. Let's review who they are releasing next year on stamps:

Let's start with the ones USPS and I agree on
Wolverine: OK, an obvious choice with how popular the X-Men movies have been. Good choice.









Spiderman: - Another obvious choice. Cool!









Incredible Hulk: - Still another obvious choice.










Captain America: - No good Captain America movie yet, but an icon. I'm happy with it.








The Thing: - Not an obvious choice, but the movie made decent money and that is enoug to warrant the stamp.








Silver Surfer: - Not an obvious choice, but seeing as how he will be in the next Fantastic Four movie next year, I'm not surprised.











That is the six we agree on. My other four were Punisher, Thor, Gambit, and Ghost Rider. Instead, Marvel and USPS have chosen:

Sub Mariner: He's been in comics since the 1940s, but has never really achieved BIG popularity. Not quite sure why they chose him, but ok.







Spider Woman: - Stupid character. Not popular. Stupid, stupid, stupid.










Elektra: Probably only here because of the crappy Elektra movie. Achieved cult status in comics way before the movie, but I don't think she warrants a stamp. Don't really get the appeal, but some will be happy. Not sure why there is three of her posted here.





Iron Man: Not sure why I didn't think of him the first time. Good character and I am ok with it. With an Iron Man movie coming out in 2008, this is not a surprise at all.






So, I like the 6 choices we agree on, and am ok with one, MAYBE two of the others. With a Ghost Rider movie coming out next year, I'm surprised he didn't get picked. Also suprised no Thor or Punisher. Well, maybe not Punisher as the USPS probably doesn't want a stamp of someone who goes around shooting people!!!

At a special request...

A certain blogger friend was/is having a tough time right now and told me that a picture like the one below would make her day. So, despite the comments that I could potentially get from this, here ya go friend. The things I do for people....

State Fair

Manuel and I went to the State Fair today. We did something that was TOTALLY cool (which tell you about later), but the rest of the fair was blah. After the cool thing, we got something to eat because we were hungry. We got pizza, which tasted like cardboard with a thin layer of cheese, and lemonade, which gave me a funny aftertaste in my mouth. Then we walked to the exhibit buildings, looked at all the things they were selling, but they were the same things they had last year, and the year before that, and the year before that, except for this one thing that Manuel really wants but it WAY too expensive (I'll let him tell you about that too.) Then we got something else to eat, which was just ok. After that, we were done.

I think we spent 4 hours at the fair, and to me, it was 3 hours too many. It's just the same things over and over. Nothing new from last year. And usually I go just to eat, but none of the food I got was spectacular - even the soda was just ok. Maybe I wasn't in the fair mood, but I doubt it. I think I'm burned out. But how can I be burned out on something that comes once a year? I don't know, but that's how I feel. I think I'm going to try the State Fair every other year, unless they have something cool next year like they did this year, then I'll go, but maybe only for that.

The only cool thing was getting to meet Mr. Lou Ferrigno. As family knows, this is a big thing considering how scared Manuel used to be of the Incredible Hulk. It was fun getting to meet him, get an autograph, and take pictures. Here is the photo evidence of Manuel facing his fear:

Dilemma

I have a dilemma... I last spoke to someone about my dream job a week ago. She said she would forward my reume to the hiring manager, and indeed she did, as I can check the status of my application online. My dilemma? It's been a week and I've heard nothing. Do I call to see what's happening? I don't want to seem like a bother. Man thinks I should wait until Monday. That's probably good advice, but it kills me. What if they give it to someone by then? What should I do?

Jury Duty

So yesterday, I went to jury duty. The first half of the day was quite dull as I never got called to go into a court room. So, I just read a while and then walked down to Hard Rock for my 2 hour lunch. However, right when lunch ended, my name was called to go to a court room. I got to hear about the case, see the defendant, and hear endless questions about whether or not we could be impartial, blah, blah, blah. Then they started picking/eliminating potentail jurors. They called 50 of us initially into the room, and by the time they were done with eliminations and people excused, there were only 6 people left in the seats, minus the picked jurors. Unfortunately, I wa sone of the six that never got to be questioned or even considered for a juror. So basically, I just got to listen to a bunch of questions for a few hours, but I actually had a good time. It was fun to see how a trial starts off. I didn't get to be a juror like I wanted, but at least I got to see some things. Maybe next time....

Last Photoshop for today...

4 Amigos

Randy is SCREWED!

The REAL reason Forrest was running...

I'd run from a zombie too!!!

Who do you save????

I stole this off La Chou's website and thought it was pretty fun. In a creative writing class and in a group, she had to pretend she was a rescuer sent to a flooding cave. These seven people are trapped. What order do you save them in with the thought that the last person on your list probably won't make it. I'll post what I thought and what she put in the comments so as not to sway your decisions. If you want to play along, write down your answers first so there are no influences. Interested to see what people say...

Seven people are trapped in a cave. Water is slowly rising and will eventually fill the cave. Quite possibly only six people will be rescued and one will have to die. Rank the people in the order you think they should be brought out of the cave.

Helen-White, American, female, age 34. She is married with four very young children. She left college to be married, and is suspected of having a sexual affair with Owen.

Tozo-Japanese, female, age 19. She is very attractive, and has grown up in a wealthy family. She was recently in a feature film about Japan.

John-Black, American, male, age 37. He is married with five children. He is a full time social worker who enjoys camping with his family.

Owen-White, American, male, age 47. Unmarried P.E. teacher. Former Army Officer. Has a leg injury that is not serious. Also has a bit of a drinking problem.

Paul-White, English, male, age 47. Divorced with no children. He's a medical research student at University Hospital. Is an expert in treating rabies. Twice convicted of indecent exposure.

Edward-White, American, male, age 59. Married with two grown children and seven grandchildren. City coucil member. He enjoys caving and plans to write a book on that subject when he retires.

Jean-Black, Jamaican, female, age 72. Unmarried with no relatives. She has a Ph.D in biological sciences and is working with a government grant to explore biological organisms that grow in caves. She is working on a possible AIDS vaccine. She also studies the behavior of people in confined spaces.

Snakes in a Theater

It is funny for a quick second, and then you think about just how tragic this could have been:

From the National Ledger:

"Two live rattlesnakes were released in an Arizona theater during a showing of the new film, 'Snakes on a Plane.' The snakes were released after the film began rolling in the dark theater at the AMC Desert Ridge multi-plex at Tatum and the 101 in north Phoenix.
The two baby diamondbacks were actually slithering around the theater while the snakes on a plane were slithering around on screen with Samuel L. Jackson.
A bit of a panic ensued, according to a broadcast report from KSAZ Fox 10 in Phoenix, and the theater was emptied and the Arizona Herpetological Association was called in to remove the snakes.

"People are carrying them in - we believe - in backpacks - and releasing them form a container," Tom Whiting of the Arizona Herpetological Association said.

Baby rattlesnakes are even more dangerous than adult diamondbacks. A report online from James Q. Jacobs notes that baby rattlesnakes are very venomous.

"They're very deadly, very, very dangerous right from the start. Babies actually will eject all of their venom, as opposed to the adults that will eject some of their venom some of the time."

Baby rattlesnakes also can't warn their victims as they do not have rattles; rattles develop after several skin 'sheddings.'

No one was bitten by either of the snakes and the baby rattlers were captured and released into the surrounding desert.

The western diamondback is one of six rattlesnake species found in the surrounding deserts of Phoenix and one of the most common snakes in Arizona.

Snake experts in the valley are suggesting that theater owners check any backpacks that are carried into the theater for containers that may carry the snakes in case any copycats try the very dangerous stunt."

My only hope, and I don't think that I am wrong in wishing this, is that whoever did this has karma come their way and they end up getting bit by a snake somewhere down the road. Preferably miles from civilization with no transportation with no anti-venom in sight. I mean, these snakes could have bitten kids. Jackass!


In jury duty news, I called the court today and explained my situation. They said, "You want to come tomorrow?" I looked at my rather empty schedule and told them yes. So tomorrow at 8am, I report for jury duty. Wish me luck that I get on a case like I want. Nothing too long. 1 or 2 weeks, nothing more. I'll keep you updated if I get picked.

Nurse Jessica Has Left The Hospital

Disclaimer: I have NO CLUE why this text is underlined, nor do I know how to undo it, so deal with it...

WTF?!?! Why isn't this underlined?!

And a big thank you to Manuel the Photoshop King for this fun fun fun picture.

Now, as for the title of this post, it's not definite yet, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

I applied for a job as a nurse in a OB/GYN clinic downtown. It would be my job to take the histories of the patients who come in newly pregnant. I would tell them what to expect with the pregnancy, tell them which labs and ultrasounds to get and when, and follow-up to make sure they did them. (Basically a lot of patient education, which is one of my favorite things about what I do now.) Then I would make sure the hospital gets the patient information. I would also do tests called NSTs in the office, where I hook the baby up to a monitor and make sure it's happy. I would start IVs when necessary for IV hydration. I would field incoming calls from patients who think they're in labor.

The clinic is still part of the company I currently work for, so I wouldn't lose my seniority, my PTO, things like that. I would get my own office. I would work Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm (or 730am to 430pm), weekends and holidays off.

Why am I doing this, you may ask? My schedule now is very flexible - 3 days a week and I pretty much pick them. Manuel's schedule as a Realtor was flexible too - he didn't have to go into the office every day, so if I had a Tuesday off, he could take the day off too and we'd hang out together. The jobs he's looking for now are Monday through Friday jobs, and I have a really hard time imagining going to work during the weekend while he's off, or being off during the week while he's at work. I want to be on the same schedule as him. It's not like I aim to spend every waking moment with him, but even now it sucks to go to work while he's at home, and when I'm at home while he's at work, I'm bored. I just really think it'll be easier on us (me mostly) if we keep the same schedule.

Plus, and I'll freely admit this, I am inherently lazy. I'd rather have the controlled pace of a clinic, where I know what the day has in store, where I know I can sit down, where I know I'll have a lunch, where I know I'll have time to pee, rather than the unknown, uncontrolled pace of the labor and delivery unit, where the above luxuries are never guaranteed.

The pay is less, about $3.50 an hour, but I'll be working 4 more hours each week, so it makes up for it. The commute is longer - about 10 miles - and traffic will be worse. I'll have to pay for my benefits, whereas the hospital covers them now, but it's not a ridiculous sum of money - about $45 each paycheck for Man and I both. I doubt I'll be under a union contract, like at the hospital, so I won't have dues taken out of each paycheck, which will mostly cover the benefits.

I called the HR department of the clinic this morning and the position is still open. The HR lady asked me some questions, including why I want to change jobs, what skills I have, things like that. It seemed like she liked me. She said she'd forward my application to the hiring manager, who would call me, so we'll see.

So, what do you think? I've given the pros and cons, and unless my vision is clouded, I think the pros outweigh the cons. I'd appreciate any insight...

Job searching sucks....

Well, actually, job searching isn't too bad. I just wish I could find something I like. On Thursday, I posted my resume on places like monster.com and careerbuilder. I have actually got around 10 offers for interviews in that time, but nothing I want. Mostly just jobs in the same kind of work I was already doing - real estate, insurance, financial planner. Nothing that I really see as a future career. I did apply for a cool job at Kaiser, and applied for another job at VSP. I don't even remember what the job at VSP was that applied for as it was entry level, but that is all I would need there - something where I coud learn and work my way up. It's such a good company that I am sure things would work out there. Haven't heard from them yet though. We'll see. I also have some state jobs in mind that I need to now look in to.

I just got jury duty summons which I am ok with as I have always wanted to be on a jury. The bad thing is that it is not until the end of September. I might have a job by then. Not sure what to do. Can I write to them and request sooner? I don't know. If they asked me to be there tomorrow, I would. But not when I am starting a new job.

The floor contractor starts putting in new floors in our house next Monday. Can't wait! Yeah, it is a lot of money, especially now, but the carpet needs to go, we have been wanting do it, etc. etc. I'll be posting pictures...

Bad Citizen

On occasion, when Manuel and I go to the movies, we'll movie hop. Ok, who am I kidding? We try to movie hop every time we go to the movies. We're not always successful, but we'll plan the movie we pay for based on what time another movie we want to see starts, just in case. I know, I know - that's not legal, it's stealing, it's cheating... Whatever. That's not the point of this post (although I do feel like a weight has been lifted after my confession.)

So we went to the movies yesterday. And we were successful, so I have 2 movies to talk about.

Snakes on a Plane - This one we paid for. When Manuel told me about it when it first started filming, I thought (and still do) the premise was ridiculous. Snakes on a plane? Come on!

On a side note, could Samuel L. Jackson be any cooler? He always looks good, talks smooth, saves the day. I SOOO want to be him when I grow up.

Back to the movie... As much as I hate to admit it (and later Manuel and I had the following conversation: M: I'll accept your apology now. J: For what? M: Because you know you liked it!) it was EXTREMELY entertaining. There were parts what were pretty darn unrealistic, but really, sometimes you just have to suspend reality and sit back and be entertained. There were some really funny parts. Some of the death scenes were enjoyably gruesome. It's fun when the asshole finally gets what's coming to him, especially when it's a really good death. Yeah, if you just want to sit back and be entertained for an hour and 45 minutes, go see this movie.

The Descent - This one we did not pay for. And, just so I feel better, a few weeks ago we had tickets to go to a free screening, but ended up not going because Manuel had to go sell a house or something. :-) So the fact that we didn't pay today is ok because we were going to see it without paying anyway.

Anyway, this movie is, without a doubt, one of the scariest movies I've seen in a long time. It was dark, suspenseful, gory, bloody, everything a scary movie should be. There was this one part where you knew something was going to happen when they turned the corner, only they took forever to do it, so we were on the edge of our seats the whole time. I just wanted to scream, "JUST DO IT! GET IT OVER WITH!" It was great! I often found myself giggling because the tension was too much to handle. Cassie, you are brilliant - your ear-plugging technique saved me from some scares a few times - I could see Manuel jumping out of the corner of my eye! If you enjoy a good scary movie, see this one.

Snakes on a Plane Auditions

The day of Snakes on a Plane has finally arrived. Some will love it, some will hate it, but I know i'm going to see it today and hope that it is good in a Tremors type fashion. Here is a HILARIOUS clip of a comedian doing impersonations of Christopher Walken, Joe Pesci, Jack Nicholson, and Robert DeNiro trying out for the movie. It made me laugh. Lots of swearing so don't watch it loud it you are worried about people hearing...

Say hello to my little friends...

As you may have noticed, I have other blogs listed on my sidebar. They are all great and I make sure to visit them daily, often times more than once. If you haven't been reading them, check them out, leave a comment, and tell them Manuel sent ya. Here is a breakdown of what they are:

Battle Rock Spot - A law student that writes some really thought provoking articles.

Gospel According to Rhys - A Welsh guy living in England. He writes some hilarious articles, and not just because it is fun to picture him reading it with his accent.

Valkyrie's Aerie - Awesome aspiring writer and the first person I ever shared a link with in blogland.

One sided war - A fellow Sacramentan who works in government and has some great views on politics. Some funny views on the way the government is being run.

The Jerk Store - Just an angry, angry guy. Funny as hell though even though I don't always agree with what he writes. Love when people just aren't afraid to vent like this.

Exploits of a Modern-Day Geisha - Superwoman. She is in college training to save my ass should I ever be stranded in the jungle or ocean. Funny...

Night Panther - Photographer who takes the most AMAZING pictures. Even if you just want to see some cool pics, it is worth a visit...


Sorry to have to do this, but I have to turn on word verification on the site. You haven't noticed, but on a LOT of my old posts, I have been getting tons of spam. To prevent this, I am going with word verification. In case you don't know what it is, its easy. After you type your comment, it will have a series of letters you just have to copy. It helps with spam email. You just have a few more letters to type now that is all. Hope that doesn't prevent people from commenting as it is really easy. Let me know if you have questions. And please, give my fellow bloggers a little love when you get a chance. If you aren't checking them out too, you're missing some good stuff. And check out Rich's post below if you haven't. It is his best to date!

Realizing my identity

Another midnight post. When I actually become a writer I should try doing this in something other than vampire hours. Before I head off to watch hours of old wrestling thanks to WWE on demand (gotta love cable) and Pride fighting DVD's (by the way Cassie, considering your a fan of UFC ya might wanna check those out sometime. I might have recommended it before but I am old and forget things.) here is my thinker for the night.

WHO made you?

I have only recently really discovered what I believe to be my identity. What I noticed about my new found knowledge is that I am a whole lot like other people than I thought I was, thus the whole who made me question. This is what I could come up with.

I am my Dad............I am way to sarcastic for my own good. I keep weird hours at strange times that makes me very much a loner. I can be so silent about important things in my life, but give ya small talk up the you know what. I write down lists for everything to help me keep order in my day. I can lay down and do absolutely nothing but watch TV for hours ( by the way he can get away with it now. I'm 28 I have no excuse). I yell in my car when I am all alone to people who will never know that I am yelling at them.

I am my Mom............I can listen to anyone about anything and keep an actual conversation with them. I save the world without recognizing that I am exceeding my own limits to what I can actually do to help. I know there is so much more to life than worrying about every little thing to the point of paranoia. I have no problem telling someone I love them to there face just so they can go on with there life knowing I said it at least once. If it's important enough then I find a way. I am bad with money ( don't tell her I said that.). I know that it's fun and important to just take off and take a vacation to myself and leave the rest of the world behind cause silence is golden.

I am my brother......I loved basketball first and last. I play video games and have to conquer them. I walk just like him. I started wearing cologne to copy him. I still get hand me down clothes from him. I don't need a girl just for the sake of having a girl. If it's no one's business then they just won't know about it. He is the only person I ever strove to be better than cause if I was better than him I must be the greatest of all time.

I am my friends.........I play poker. I collect shoes. I wear jerseys. I have a big ego when it's necessary to compete. I listen to more than just rap music. I wanna teach. I wanna train. I wanna sell. I laugh at the dumbest things. I am something different to everyone I know.

I am her..............I know what it really means to care now. I know that I am just suppose to know cause I am. I know there is more to it than just saying "I Love You". I write cause of her. Anything connected to destiny fate or some other higher power stepping in comes from knowing her. I take risk and face fears cause of her. I get angry then move on cause of her. I can express genuine emotion and not feel like an absolute wimp. I listen to music differently. I have mastered the art of the mixtape. I read between the lines way too often. Movies make me cry. I remember exact dates. And then I celebrate them, even if it's by myself. I care about someone more than I care about myself. I can overcome a lot more than I ever thought I would have to.

All this being said I am now struggling to find what the hell I added to the mix. Besides liking pro wrestling I am not able to find anything else that I did to make ME. Guess I will keep looking.
In case you all never hear it from me again. I love you all. even you Manuel. Rabble Rock!

I love celebrities....

Michelle Williams and Heath Ledger. I love how instead of attacking the papparazzi or trying to hide their faces with jackets(C'mon, we know who you are), they are just standing there giving them the big FUCK YOU. Bravo for creativity. Bonus points for the sign!!



Someone please, PLEASE, give Nicole Richie a burger. She is just flat out gross now. I mean, how can someone think this is attractive? Makes me want to vomit...














I finally broke down and downloaded Firefox which is an alternative browser to Internet Explorer. I have been having a lot of problems with my pics not showing up when I post and I heard Firefox would work. Bravo to the advice as my pics loaded without any trouble. Rhys, I finally broke down man...

Screw you Tiger....

From Bloomberg.com

"Tiger Woods said that no matter how much golf he's playing in 20 years, he won't be a ``soccer dad.''

Woods, a 30-year-old American who won his 11th major golf title at last month's British Open, said he hopes his child will play the U.S. brand of football.

``No, not soccer,'' Woods, the world's top-ranked golfer, told reporters today at Medinah Country Club, site of this week's PGA Championship. ``Hopefully something more physical.''


Ok, I know that soccer isn't as physical as football, but I hate this mentality that some people have that soccer isn't physical. Are you friggin' kidding me!?!?! I would love for those with this opinion to watch a soccer game and see the banging that goes on during the game. And when there are LEGITIMATE injuries(not the rolling on the ground that accompanies this sport too much), they are REALLY bad. Ridiculous....

Christina Aguilera

So why did I stop the post something every day project? Cause I discovered I am boring. Yes I am lazy too, but I ain't a beat writer and this ain't my beat. I started just writing things that were only interesting to me and that just would start to suck to read I imagine. That said, I will try to write when it comes to me that I have something that is actually worth reading. Hopefully you all find something worth reading about this.

Of course I am a huge Christina Aguilera fan. This is the extent I went the past couple of days as far as that fanatic behavior goes. I pre-ordered both the Itunes release of the album and a special fan club release of the CD. Why you ask? Cause Itunes would allow me to download the entire double disc CD on Monday night at around 10 pm west coast time. The sooner I could listen to it the better. The other order was to get a hard copy of the music as well to go along with a nice T-shirt and a collector's item that is to be sent to me at a later date. That being a 7 inch vinyl edition of the single "Ain't No Other Man". $90 later and a few listens of the album already down and here is what I can say about it.

Brilliant!

I am blatantly stealing this from Cassie cause she has told me I do this at times with this here blog. Christina's last 2 albums have come across to me as someone releasing there private journals to the world. Her songs are short stories about what has happened to her up till this point in her life. They come across as very relateable and highly entertaining. There are tracks that are uplifting and spiritual. Others that are sexual and fun. Others that are revealing and emotional. If you haven't noticed by now I have a thing for singers. Female singers to be specific. As someone who wants to be an artistic person through my writing I find her works of art to be timeless and inspirational. If I could write something that had as much staying power as any of Christina's songs I would be very grateful. All I can hope for with my writing is for someone, anyone to just GET IT!.

Here are my predictions I made last night after an hour and a half of hearing the 22 tracks on the album.

The Hits......Hurt, Save Me from Myself, Candyman, Oh Mother, Back in the Day

Songs that will never make the radio but beg for a video......Candyman, and Nasty Naughty Boy

This albums' "Beautiful"......... either Oh Mother or Hurt

People this album speaks to...... Any young lady who either has or is about to marry that right man in there life cause a ton of this album covers her recent marriage and boy her husband is written all over this bad boy. If not in name, then by spirit.

Little known fact..... Yes Cassie I did send in my own 30-second voicemail attempt to be one of the fans on her thank you dedication to the fans track on disc one. I said some good stuff too. But I came up short. Sucks to be me.

That's it yall. Now go to sleep and dream of genie's or sheep or something. And leave me alone cause I am tired of being the vessel through which a high being speaks. :)

and in case I don't see you again....

...good afternoon, good evening, and goodnight.

Well, the deed is done. I have left my job. I went and talked with my manager today and basically explained my financial reasons for leaving the job and he completely understood. He said a lot of nice things and I feel like I have a weight lifted off my shoulders. Now, my resume is done. I just need to send it off places. Jess looked at the resume this morning, but I don't know what she thought about it as she left early for work. I will have to ask tonight. Now I just have to decide where I want to apply. I have looked around, and it is overwhelming. We'll see. I could always be a karate instructor. I mean, I did win the All Valley Tournament some years back....

Remember?

Photoshop fun...

Crap, just another thing I needed to learn how to do to waste my time with....

Happy Monday

Hope everyone had a good weekend. I won another poker tournament at my house this weekend, another $160 for first place. I am now up to 7 straight tournaments at my house(we play every other Saturday) where I have won money. With 10-14 players every time and the top 2 or 3 winning money, this is quite an accomplishment. Even my friends are starting to notice that I am on quite a roll. It has to end eventually, but I am on quite a high right now and have taken over first place in the player of the year standings. Of course, I'll probably go out first next game, but hey, it happens. Til' then, I am getting a lot of spending money...

I wrote my resume today. Now I just have to have Jessica look at it and I will start to decide where to send it. Jerry gave me some suggestions for state jobs so I might try that. I just want something steady, Monday through Friday, that has opportunities for career advancement. I don't think that is too picky...

There are two huge spiders on my ceiling right now...

No fun news articles at the moment. Maybe some later...

Have a good week everyone. I know it is Monday so here is a pill for you if you need something to get you through the week.

Evidence of Jessica cheating on me....

I hope she at least got an autograph for me...

How NOT to pickup women...

Wow, my 4th post today! On a roll. I guess that is what happens when your work appointment isn't until 7:30 at night...(I'm watching the news right now and an interview with some teenagers at the State Fair just went really bad. Funny stuff)

Anyways... The other day on La Chou's Blog, she talked about bad pickup lines that had been used on her. Thankfully, the pickup line below was not used on her:



From ICNorth Wales
Woman claims total stranger put his hand inside her bra
By Carl Butler, Daily Post


A MAN groped a North Wales business-woman as she tried to get into her car a court heard yesterday.

Zana Rafiq Jalal assaulted the 47-year-old woman in Connah's Quay, where she had been to the hairdresser.

The 32-year-old told her: "You go out with me, you sexy as f***. You give me your number. I see you many times."

When the woman, who said the man was drunk, told him to go away and she would ring the police, he said: "I mean no harm, I will be deported".

Jalal, unemployed, who lives with relatives at Cestrian Street, Connah's Quay, denied sexually assaulting the woman on March 3.


She told the court when she tried to close her car door, "he leaned in and slipped his hand down my bra".

When interviewed by police Jalal said he would not have used such language and said it was the first time he had heard the English swear word.

So, of course this is bad because it is an alleged sexual assault. Let's get past that right now because that is a big no no. Looking past that, how hilarious is that pickup line? "You go out with me, you sexy as f***. You give me your number. I see you many times" God, that is classic!!

Prepare for the Black Sleep....

KALI MA!!!!!!!!!!!

IKEA adventures

Took my grandma to IKEA for the first time today as she had never been there. I figured with all the great prices and impulse buy items, she would love it. I LOVE IKEA and I am always excited to go with someone who has never been there. We got there at 9:40, but it didn't open until 10. Luckily, the food area was open so we had the 99 cent breakfast special. Not bad for a buck. Then, the rest of the store opened at 10. We were out by 10:30. Yes, we did all of IKEA in just under 30 minutes. I actually didn't think that was possible. I think the store just overwhelmed her. She never really stopped and looked at anything - more of a carnival ride where you just have to keep going. Maybe she just wasn't interested in browsing, but I think it was just too much for her. I bought the juice dispenser I went for so I guess I can't complain. My favorite part was when I picked it up, Grandma asked, "I am going to a wedding next month, do you think that would be a good gift." Since it was plastic and $4.99, I politely told her that it probably wasn't. Either way though, it was still a good time with my grandma. She said she'll stick to going to Target as she knows where everything is. She did like one thing though. She talked repeatedly about how good the 99 cent breakfast was. Hey, at least she got something out of it...

A quick post...

Just saw this Directv ad from some Spanish speaking country and I wanted to post it really quick before I left to take my grandma to Ikea for the first time. Check it out and let me know what you think. I wish this had played here in the States...

Q and A

JESSICA'S ANSWERS ARE FIRST AND IN REGULAR TYPE
MANUEL'S ANSWERS ARE IN ITALICS

1. My roommate and I once:
I've never had a roommate besides Manuel. Threw a big party where the cops came to tell us to be quiet.
2. Never in my life have I:
Been this happy. Been to Europe
3. The one person who can drive me nuts, but then can always manage to make me smile is:
Manuel. And I HATE that he can do this. We'll argue or he'll piss me off, then make me smile/laugh. I HATE it! Jessica. Isn't that what a spouse does?
4. High school was:
Drama. A good time.
5. When I'm nervous:
I have to pee. I feel like throwing up.
6. The last time I cried was:
It's been a while... Flat out cried? I can't remember.
7. If I were to get married right now, my bridesmaids/groomsmen would be:
Same as they were when I got married, minus Anna. Maybe I'd add Crista. Probably the same guys, but I might want to add some more.
8. Would you rather run naked through a crowded place or have someone e-mail your deepest secret to all your friends?:
Do I know the people in the crowded room? If I HAD to choose, I'd go with the email.
9. My hair:
Is getting so long! Boring, but user friendly.
10. When I was 5:
I had the best handwriting in my kindergarten class and got to write the word "kindergarten" on my class' yearbook page. I was as much a kid as I am now.
11. Last Christmas:
I got a bracelet from Tiffany's. Score! I was spoiled.
12. When I turn my head left:
I see the dogs standing by the sliding glass window wanting to come in. I cough and take a deep breath?
13. I should be:
Letting the dogs in. It's hot outside. Job hunting.
14. When I look down I see:
A French pedicure. Legs too white for a Mexican.
15. The craziest recent event was:
Something I can't mention here, but trust me, it was timed and it was CRAZY! My deal that fell through.
16. If I were a character on Friends I'd be:
Monica - I am a clean freak. Not AS BAD as her, but I like things in their places. Ugly Naked Guy!
17. By this time next year:
I hope to be a mommy. I hope I have a good job.
18. My favorite aunt is:
Hmmm... Janet. Well, only one aunt reads my blog so.....
19. I have a hard time understanding:
How drug addicted, welfare receiving women can have multiple babies and keep custody of none of them and I am having trouble getting pregnant. Why so many people are just so stupid.
20. One time at a family gathering:
We saw a mariachi band and asked them to come play for us, and everyone looked at me when they asked what song we wanted, like I would know a song because I married a Mexican. When I was little I said, "Let's have a party so the women can cook and the men can play games."
21. You know I like you if:
I talk to you. You'll never know for sure.
22. If I won an award, the first person (people) I'd thank:
My parents. My wife.
23. Take my advice:
Laugh loud, laugh long, and laugh often. Don't do real estate in a bad market.
24. My ideal breakfast is:
Chilaquilas. Egg Sandwich.
25. If you visit my home town:
Go to the House of Chicken and Ribs! Go to a Kings game.
26. Sometime soon I plan to visit:
Hawaii or Europe. Europe
27. If you spend the night at my house:
Be prepared to get dog hair all over everything. I hope you like dogs.
28. I'd stop my wedding if:
I found out my to be hubby had a go with my bridesmaid before the wedding. If the Kings were playing in the championship.
29. The world could do without:
Misplaced apostrophes! Oprah
30. I'd rather lick the belly of a cockroach than:
Stand in a room full of free flying birds. Skydive
31. The most recent thing I've bought myself is:
A blow dryer. Comics
32. The most recent thing someone else bought for me is:
A charm for my bracelet. A lunchable.
33. My favorite blonde is:
Brad Pitt! Shandi from Lingo
34. My favorite brunette is:
Colin Farrell! Natalie Portman
35. My car must have a sign on it that reads:
WASH ME! Chick Magnet
36. The last time I was drunk:
Was New Year's Eve. Jason kept giving me drinks. I threw up
37. The animals I would like to see flying besides birds:
Pigs, then all the impossible things would happen. You know how you say, "When pigs fly." Chinchillas
38. I shouldn't have been:
Exposed to my parent's bitterness toward each other after their divorce. So dumb my first year of college.
39. Last night I:
Slept really well. Cheered for Josh Blue!
40. There's this girl I know who:
Is having a really hard time answering this one. Makes me good dinners
41: I don't know:
Lots of things but I'm willing to learn. Why I didn't get picked for Survivor
42. A better name for me would be:
The Wonderful and Amazing Super Nurse Super Wife Jessica Manuel - World Series of Poker champion
43. If I ever go back to school I'll:
Need to be slapped across the face and told to snap out of it. Need someone to pay for it
44. How many days until my birthday?:
A little over 6 months - right Jenn?! Too damn long
45. One dead celebrity I wish I'd met is:
Kurt Cobain Eddie Guerrero
46. I've lived at my current address since:
We purchased this house years ago next month. Almost two years now
47. I've been told I look like:
When I was little, Drew Barrymore. Nobody in particular.
48. If I could have any car, it would be:
Hmmm... I like the BMW Z3. Convertible. Black. Yeah. Anything that goes really fast and gets really shitty gas milage.
49. If I got a new dog tomorrow, I would name it:
Gozer the Gozerian Fezzik or Ripley
50. I believe in:
Myself Karma

Kinda what I figured.

Less than a year into being moved out of my parent's house and I come to the conclusion I always kinda knew. I'd rather live alone. This is not a shot at my two roommates. I got no problem with them at all. In fact, it is nice to have someone around at times to do whatever with like go to a movie or head out to lunch. That said, I know my own quirk very well and here it is. I get so much more done alone with absolutely no one watching or helping. There is just something about having everything a certain way and coming back to it just as you left it. If I leave the dishes in the sink, I know I gotta come back to em later and wash those suckers. Similarly, If I leave my house and the kitchen counter is spotless then the only thing that might make it's way to that counter is dust. Nothing else. I really like that comforting feeling. My own lil corner of the world that I have complete control over. Having my own room is not the same. It has restrictions. I gotta close my door and try and find freedom in a compact area. That is not for me.

Something about this also makes me work harder or more efficiently. I could probably write two posts a day on this blog if I lived alone. Why? I'd have complete access to this computer at any time. I'd come up with an idea and just do it right then. I no longer want to wait my turn or share certain things in my life. I like having only myself to blame. I have no other scapegoats. This may have a sense of me making excuses for my laziness or procrastinatory (think I made up a new word again) tendencies, but it's just about not really breaking away even now. I am convinced this all goes back to not going away to college back in the day. I have just always been surrounded by people. I have never had a chance to miss anyone or truly step out and say to myself, "Well Rich it's all on you now kid." Perhaps I am still finding a way to blame others for my faults. If so, I guess I have some growing to do still. Till then, guess my real mission in life should be moving out on my own.

If any of you happen to swing by a Linen's and Things check out the Whisper Silk collection by Scent Sation. Expense, but those or just great freaking bed sheets. Kinda slippery though, but always instant sleep on those babies. Random plugs rule baby. Rabble Rock!

Why J.K. Rowling should kill Harry Potter.

Too many tequila shots. That's my excuse Mannie fresh. The late night post is more difficult when you are just too damn tired to get it done. So the streak is broken and I am ashamed of myself. I fall at the feet of the court at your mercy. On a side note, BOO Cassie. Name names! hehehe just kidding. At least your taste in men improved as you got older cause all of Manuel's friends are horrifically ugly. Except for me. And I won't name names either. They aren't in the reading audience anyways so screw em.

On with the show. I saw some snipets and read a lil bit about a lil bit on a news conference J.K. Rowling held about a week ago. One of the major talking points.... TWO characters from the very famous Harry Potter books will die in a future edition of the series. ALMOST immediately, the uprising for "Don't kill Harry Potter" movement began. I bet you that within 24 hours of this press conference someone out there started a website devoted to starting a petition to send to Miss J.K. to save Mr. Potter. I, myself, have only ever seen the movie adaptations of this story. I am not too attached to the characters or the story. If Miss Rowling decides to kill anyone besides Harry I am sure the rest of the outraged audience will be satisfied with that. I am here to tell you that Harry Potter must die. Here is why....

This is J.K. Rowling's story. It is her idea and her property, so to speak. I say do as you wish. Being an upstart writer myself, I would like to think that the bottom line should always be write what you want and not what others want you to write about. I am in now way advocating killing Mr. Potter just for the sake of doing something other than what most would think would happen. Don't do it for shock and awe. Do it cause it makes sense in the story and because it's something you planned. Do it cause you can magically bring him back to life in the next book/movie. Do it to make a point. THIS is my book people. That was J.K. speaking there, of course. Really, does the mortality of a fictional character actually matter that much to people? I ask this question realizing that it mattered enough to me to write this one post, but I can get away with being a hypocrite cause I'm so damn smooth. And cool by the way. The next time you will hear me speak about this is when I see the movie where Harry Potter dies. I will stand in the theatre and cheer cause J.K. did it her WAY.

Least, that's what I will believe. Maybe she is already setting me up. Maybe killing Harry Potter will turn into what is expected of her and my whole post will be turned on it's head. But, I doubt Miss Rowling is listening to the maniac psycho spill his guts on a regional blog website. So, kill Harry Potter. Cause you can and it's YOUR FREAKING story.

Time to drive to Folsom and get water. Another shout out for Cassie cause this is the only place I talk to ya. MTV.com has a section called "The Leak". They leak full albums for the listening public to enjoy before it's released for purchasing. I say this to you cause our girl Christina has her double album on the leak, so you can listen to the whole album NOW!. I will be doing this later today. Then everyone can look forward to my CD review and my review of the latest edition of John Madden football will be on here for all of you to.........Oh ya this stuff only matters to me. Might have to keep that to myself. Peanut Butter Jelly time folks. Rabble Rock!

Rich....

So, you missed your Tuesday post. Or because your last one was at midnight between Monday and Tuesday, it counts as both days. If not, you owe us two posts....

This is the end....

This is the end
Beautiful friend
This is the end
My only friend, the end

No, the blog isn't coming to an end. My career as a real estate agent is. I got into real estate a little over a year ago because after three years of teaching, I was sick of it. The reasons are plentiful and you can go back and look if you care to. When Jessica and I bought out first home, I loved how real estate worked and I decided to make a career change. It was scary to leave a good job for an uncertain one, but I decided it was better than being happy. And you know what, I LOVE real estate. What I didn't count on was the sudden plummet of the real estate market. Suddenly, GOOD, LONGTIME agents in my office were struggling. And me? Well, I had a few things here and there, but it isn't going to pay the bills day in and day out. I love my job, but it is time to pat myself on the back and say good try.

Last night was the final nail in the coffin. I was this close to getting my listing in escrow. After dealing with an asshole Realtor for a week, we finally got a contract that looked like it was going to work. Unfortunately, some really stressful situations came upon my sellers culminating in a real hard past weekend. They informed me last night that due to the family circumstances, they had to pull the house off the market mere hours before we were to go into escrow. Family comes first and I totally understand. I have no ill will towards them at all as almost anyone faced with the same circumstances would do the same thing. It was just a culmination of everything that has gone south in the past month and throughout the year. Remember a few posts when I said to keep your fingers crossed as I had a lot going on. I did. I had FIVE potential deals in my back pocket. For one reason or another, they are all now gone. Not even one of the five. This is how my career has gone and I am taking that as a sign. I'll probably work the rest of the month and then quit.

So now I go about finding a new job. Better yet, a new CAREER. I did apply for a position at the Franchise Tax Board, but they said because I didn't have a class in accounting, I couldn't have it. That's all you had to have - ONE class. Not a degree, just the class. I have a college degree from a damn good university. I am sure the math I was doing was much harder than accounting. But nope, I don't qualify. Screw them. So, I guess I start working on my resume. Thing is, I want something that I can make a career out of. It doesn't have to start off high in salary, but it has to have some sort of career advancement for hard workers. I guess this blog will be a good way to let people know how the job hunt goes. Wish me luck....

Virginia baby!

Damn! Missed my deadline. I write late anyways so that midnight thing screws up my whole write something everyday. This still counts as Monday to me. First, shout out to all the folks giving me the feedback that I so love. Honesty people. I dig it. And just cause I feel like putting her on the spot. So, who where the "Hot friends" of your brother that you speak of there young Cassie? I think I might know a couple of them. :)

On with the show. I miss my cousins! Mainly my whole family out in VA. Mechanicsville to be specific.
I miss Aunt Sarah's. Great breakfast spot.
Chloe and Sasha. Those dogs freaking rule.
I miss the keg-a-rator.
Mostly I miss what's happening right now. My cousin Casey is about to turn 31 and any day now will be delivering a brand new baby. Her first. I flew out for the baby shower (which by the way turned into a big drinking party minus the pregnant lady of course). It was a great time. Makes me wish I knew these people long before these past few years. They lived in NY (Long Island actually) for the most part having only recently migrated to VA. I knew my Dad had a brother, but I didn't get to know any of my real relatives until my Uncle flew his family out this way back in 1994. It's the strangest thing with them. I have been alone with this separate family on two occasions and it's so easy to get close to all these people. I act like a different person around them. In a good way. Guess making up for lost time makes a person cut right to the chase and avoid all the procrastinating garbage. It's nice knowing I got an east coast version of brothers and sisters and a Mom and Dad just all showing me the same love I always got back home. I just wish I was there for more stuff. Here's to hoping I see them all in Vegas sometime soon. Vodka and Red Bull's on me everyone. And here is to wishing baby cousin Dayquan a long, happy life. When he arrives that is. Inside joke. No one actually knows what they are calling this demon seed. I raise my glass of yoohoo to Casey, Craig, Kimberly, Aunt Sharon, and Uncle John. Much love from the west coast. Rabble Rock!

The Vomit Incident

Apparently there are still some people in the Sacramento area who don't know the story of the vomit incident. I shall relay it now, and then I think you'll understand why there was a 5 year WalMart boycott.

Back in the end of 2001 I was at school at UC Davis (GO AGGIES!) I was a tour guide and had to go to school for some event, and Manuel came with me. He had graduated back in June and was already in the teaching credential program at Sac State. We had tickets to a Knights game that night so we planned to go to Arco Arena from the Davis event. We were SUPER early, so we decided to stop at WalMart on Truxel on our way because Manuel needed something for school.

We went to the office supply section and looked for accordion files for a portfolio he had to make. On the bottom shelf I saw this box, so I picked it up, set it on my chest/belly and opened it to see what it was. Lo and behold, there were dividers inside, so I asked Manuel if it was what he needed. He said it was but he didn't like it because it was big and bulky. I agreed and closed the box. I lifted it off my tummy by the handle, and as I did, I smelled vomit. I remember thinking it was odd, but let it go. I set the box back on the shelf and took a few steps. I don't know what made me do it, but I looked down at my shirt and there was vomit on it!

I immediately grabbed my shirt and pulled it away from my skin as I said to Manuel, "There's vomit on my shirt!" Manuel, who can have nothing to do with vomit, says, "Let me see!" and comes over and begins gagging. Big help...

So my immediate goal is to get to a bathroom, only I don't know where it is. Luckily, the next aisle over are a few employees, so I walk up to them, still holding my shirt away from my skin, and say, "There's fucking vomit on my shirt and it's not mine." I didn't care that I cussed.

"Gross."

"Yeah, where's the bathroom?"

So I go to the bathroom and there's no paper towels. I go to the customer service counter right outside the bathroom. The lady was helping someone but I didn't care. I interrupted and said, "There's vomit on my shirt and it's not mine."

"Gross."

"Yeah. There's no paper towels."

She gives me a roll and I go into the bathroom and clean my shirt, but now there's a giant wet spot, plus the fact remains that there was vomit on my shirt. I went to the clothes department and picked up the first shirt I saw. I went to put it on and I said to the lady, "I need to try this shirt on. Do you know why? Because there was vomit on my shirt and it wasn't mine."

You can guess what she said, "Gross."

"No kidding. As far as I'm concerned, this shirt should be free."

"I'll have to call my manager."

"Get on the phone."

Have you ever tried to take your shirt off while keeping the front as far from your face as possible?

In the end, I got the shirt for free, and never set foot in a WalMart again, until yesterday, that is...

The week ahead

So it's late and I gotta keep this up so here it goes. This week ahead will include the following takes....

Why J.K. Rowling should kill Harry Potter.

Remembering the 2002 Sacramento Kings.

Top 5 movie soundtracks

Why I miss my cousins

Now on with the show. Poem TIME. I am shooting from the hip here people, so give me the benefit of the doubt.

People remember smiles, not frowns
People remember birthdays, not deaths
People remember names, not ages
People remember food, not drinks

What is it that makes us remember? Is it sounds or smells? The everlasting impacts events have on our lives that make us burn images and thoughts into our brain? I tend to think that if it's important enough, I can remember anything.

I remember the first sports team I was ever on. (The cardinals)
I remember my first date. (Tammy Hintz)
I remember the perfume of this girl I once knew. (Charlie Blue)
I remember my best friend's name from back in the day. (Matt Trissler)
I remember my first celebrity love. (Staci Keanan from "My Two Dads")
I remember the name of the league MVP from our epic Tecmo Bowl season on the Sega Genesis that involved all my closest friends. (Ray Buchanan of the Indianapolis Colts)

What do you remember?

Ya get the point. All in all, we remember good and bad and in between. In the end I want to be more than just a memory. I don't want to be remembered. I want to be talked about for the rest of eternity. I like to think small with my goals.

Rabble Rock!

A Giant Breakthrough

I did something today I swore I'd NEVER do again. And I held true for 5 years. FIVE YEARS! But I broke down today. It was hard for me, but I did it.

I went to WalMart.

I know, I know... But my blow dryer broke. A girl HAS to have her blow dryer. Manuel and I were out and about and WalMart was the closest store. Target was TOTALLY out of the way for a single item. Plus, Manuel was driving. I had no choice.

After we parked, it took me a while to get out of the car. When I finally did (only because it was getting hot), I walked half-heartedly through the parking lot and entered through the garden section. I walked through there with no problem - it's a garden section (plus, it's outside so I wasn't technically INSIDE WalMart yet.) Then we came to the doors, and that's when I had trouble. Manuel walked in and I stopped. I couldn't do it! He kept saying, "Just come on!" but I honestly was having a hard time. Finally I did it. I stepped through the doors and was inside WalMart, a place I haven't been in 5 years, since the vomit incident.

And thankfully we entered right by the blow dryers, so it was a quick trip. Although, I hate to admit, once I had my blow dryer, I wanted to walk around and check out the massive store.

This is a big deal in my life, going inside a WalMart. A breakthrough in a 5 year protest. I'm not saying I'll become a regular WalMart shopper, but I finally broke down. Such a sad day...

Hmmmm

I use to have some fairly strong opinions about public versus private school. I based a lot of this on my own experiences. I use to think that part of my robotic like behavior was caused by my private school upbringing. That I became programmed like some mindless automaton. TODAY I say nay Rich. I was wrong. No matter if I went all the way through my neighborhood schools or if I attended all the richest private schools it wouldn't have made a difference. Cause I would still be faced with many of the same situations in my life. I would make some of the same decisions. The only real difference would be my clothing. Private school uniform or my own fashions. I had the same life changing moments that any person would have. Didn't matter if it was at Jesuit HS or Foothill HS. I would still make friends and decide what I like in life. I would still have the same motivations and goals in life. I would be exactly where I am today. Maybe at a different job. Maybe in a different location. But as a whole, I'd be the same guy. Cause in the end, if you are going to rise to the top you just will no matter if you are at a private catholic all-boys school or a public co-ed school. What I put on my resume no longer should effect how I look at my upbringing or who I am as a man now. What happened today on August 5th, 2006 should no longer effect me. It is the past. 10 minutes ago is over and I can't relive that either. So it's just time to face right now.

OK short but sweet. Hopefully there was a point to that. By the way Cassie, UFC tickets run from $100-$750. Ya gotta get front row so I can see ya on PPV. Once in a lifetime $750 is worth it. It's Vegas baby. :) Rabble Rock!

The medication many need right now!

BERLIN (Reuters) - A German scientist has been testing an "anti-stupidity" pill with encouraging results on mice and fruit flies, Bild newspaper reported on Saturday.

It said Hans-Hilger Ropers, director at Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Genetics in Berlin, has tested a pill thwarting hyperactivity in certain brain nerve cells, helping stabilise short-term memory and improve attentiveness.

"With mice and fruit flies we were able to eliminate the loss of short-term memory," Ropers, 62, is quoted saying in the German newspaper, which has dubbed it the "world's first anti-stupidity pill."

Ok...so it is really more for memory than makin you less stupid. But hey, it wouldn't hurt to try it on a few stupid people you know.

June 29th, 2007....

An attack on the country's computer infrastructure begins to cripple the nation. But the man behind the attack never expected an old-fashioned cop to mess up his plans. An old-fashioned cop named...............JOHN MCCLANE!

It's been rumored for a long time. Finally, a definitive release date was announced a few day ago. So now I get to see Die Hard IV and Transfomers within less than a week of each other. Can it get any better? Love all these old action flick sequels. Did I mention that Rambo IV is scheduled to start filming in October?

This music video should get you in the mood for Die Hard IV.

Sidetracked

Ever have someone confess way too much to you? I did today. I could go into detail, but that would be in poor taste. Let's just say girl's that talk dirty..... HOT! Sorry, had to say it even though I realize my audience is probably a female majority. Point being I was completely sidetracked. First off, I wasn't expecting the call. Secondly, cause it was a particular person doing the calling it usually shuts down whatever it is that I thought I was doing. That is precisely what happened. I can't help it. As I told her once upon a time, I always regret it if I miss her call and we don't talk. But, I will never regret it once the conversation is through cause though it may stop everything else I am doing, I really don't mind it at all. In fact, I crave it like a drug. Here is why.....

I can recognize special. I believe it is a responsibility, dare I say an obligation to give it the proper respect it deserves and never neglect it. It is that classic is the juice worth the squeeze moment. You will call in sick when you aren't just to go to it. You will put off all your selfish endeavors to indulge in hers. Maybe this something special is a girl, or a dog, or a hobby, or a job. Doesn't matter. But, when the call is made you act right away cause it's that important. So I missed my trip to the gym and got fast food instead of cooking my own meal. I am cutting a different take today on this here chalkboard cause of that hour long chat. I am basically a wreck over it cause it seemed like one long tease, but it is what it is. It's what I get for moving in with my brother and my roommate rather than getting my own apartment.

Candidly speaking, yes my something special is a girl. You all might not ever meet her. I hardly get to see her. Skip to the questions and my only answer is it's complicated. But yes she still can make me do anything she wants me too. That makes me a weak little boy. Only took two days for me to turn from a hardass into a pussy. Pardon me everyone. Harsh language sometimes makes the point hit home harder. To sum it up, if I ever get to dedicate my book it will be to her. She is probably the reason I even write so openly about anything. Pardon my distraction ladies and gentlemen. Tomorrow will be a better effort. :)

Clean your house yo!

We've all seen houses in our neighborhood that are just eyesores. They are the kind of houses that you would be ashamed to live next door to. Heck, houses like this might even be next door to you. Most of the time, there is nothing you can do. City officials in Evansville, Indiana are trying to do something about houses like that:

From Channel 14 WFIE - "The city of Evansville wants certain residents to clean up their act and their yard.

The city is starting a program designed to embarrass residents into picking up the trash in their yards and trimming their weeds.

The city says it'll now be periodically issuing a list of the ten worst Evansville homes to the media.

The mayor says his office receives hundreds of complaints about neglected homes every week, and he says it's time for home owners to start taking responsibility for their mess.

Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel says, "It shouldn't [be] the responsibility of the neighbors to clean up the property. It shouldn't be the responsibility of the city using people's tax dollars. It should be the people who own this property."

If residents in violation of city weed and trash codes don't pick up their yards within about two weeks of the citation being issued, the city will clean it up for them and bill the residents for the work."

Can you imagine watching the news and seeing a picture of the front of your house saying it is one of the top 10 dirtiest homes in the city? The embaressment that would come with that would just be off the charts. So what do you think? Is this a good idea or is this taking it too far? Me, I'm all for it, but I know some people might think it too much. Curious to know what others think...

I am dealing with another Realtor right now who maybe the biggest asshole I have ever met. More to come later because the story is not over yet.

Jury Duty

I could spend this 10-15 minutes of writing bitching about my day at jury duty or telling you about a movie I saw tonight, but that would just be ummmm what's the word. ORDINARY!
And we all know I ain't ordinary. I'm slightly off as my Daddy would say. So here is what I noticed today. Hopefully this doesn't sound like me just overexplaining something simple in my head to make myself seem more important. Go with it folks.

I think I talk to myself in my head all the time. Now we all have "thoughts" in our head, but I think I have a twist to that. It's what I decided was a byproduct of being a very silent boy growing up. I started having conversations in my head to myself. Asking and answering my own questions. Sitting in the juror waiting room I found myself laughing at my own jokes and smiling to the rest of group 525. All these folks must have thought I was a little off as well. Here is an example of what I mean.

I turned the room of waiting juror's into a movie. Group 525. Perhaps I was just entertaining myself out of boredom, but here is what I came up with. I was the disgruntled young man in the room. I had been dumped by my girlfriend a year ago and in that time I had used my computer savy to somehow arrange for us both to get the same government letter requesting our presence at the courthouse. I, of course, would hide away in the men's bathroom and sneak outside to take peaks to make sure she was in the room and when the moment was right. BOOM. The doors to the waiting room would shut and become locked and I would have a room full of potential jurors and my ex-girlfriend all hostage and at my disposal. I would have a mini arsenal of weapons at my disposal that I had managed to smuggle and hide in the men's bathroom in that very same waiting room the day prior to us reporting for our duty. I would then proceed to make my ex-girlfriend stand trial in front of a jury of peers that I would pick. The crime? Breaking a man's heart and leaving him for dead of course. Being the insane man that I am, I would put her through an arduous afternoon of explaining her actions to a room full of complete strangers. I would be the prosecution and the DA and the judge. Everytime a juror would speak out of turn or attempt to take my ex's side, I would end them on the spot. I would spout out catchy lines after killing someone like, "Objection overruled." In the end, after a weekend full of torture and twists and turns it would all end in bloody murder for me. Right at the moment the SWAT team was to break into the waiting room, my ex would convince me that she wanted to take me back and try again, only to turn on me and shoot me with my own gun. Cut to the final scene of a police officer holding my crying ex in his arms as I lay on the floor dead. Then the details of Group 525 would be spelled out for the movie audience as the real-life details from whence this movie came to be are exposed.

Funny right? Not the concept or the idea, just the thought of what I did at 8 am this morning to keep myself awake and alert. I talked the whole thing out in my head and laughed and winced at each twist and turn. All my actors had no idea they had become stars of my movie. Full on conversation. I usually end these chats by shaking my head disapprovingly and moving on to the next topic. If I was to be egotistical about it, I would call it a great imagination and a sense for capturing the moment at any time. Truthfully, I think I am just a lonely man with too much time on his hands and no one to talk to. I now know this because I have had more than one 2 hour phone chat in the past year and they are always with the same person over different things. Who knew I was sucha talker? So if you ever see a DVD for rent at Blockbuster called group 525, you know it was either from me or someone who stole it from me. :)

It's late people. I will go to sleep now. See Talladega Nights. Shake and Bake baby!!!!!!
Go vote on MTV.com for Christina Aguilera and her video for "Ain't No Other Man." It was nominated for 4 awards. Thanks once again for the time and as always. Rabble Rock!

Why I became an ass.

Most people have heard that phrase, "Nice guys finish last." I use to believe that I was defined by that phrase. Looking back I now know that I simply let it define me and I became that guy because I had convinced myself that is was what I was. Letting something like that mold my everyday behavior was an excuse. I took it on as a role and I played it because it was easy and it fit for me. I saw no one else taking on that role in my little corner of the earth and I took it on by default. In retrospect, I feel like I cheated myself out of a lot of things because I was busy being responsible and practical. There is a difference between being a nice guy and being nice.

I see that I had no other layers to me. In high school and college and the years beyond that I was just simple. I was predictable and ordinary. I would fall asleep listening to the 22 year-old version of me talk to myself. If that was possible that is. You get the point though. I waited my turn and was a gentleman to every person I met and the one thing any person could say about me back then is, "what a nice guy."

It took 28 years and one girl, but it finally wasn't enough anymore. I don't want my tombstone to read, "What a nice guy." I decided that I needed a little bit of asshole in me and here is why....

I in no way want to offend the rest of the world on my way to the top, but whatever it is that I was doing wasn't working. I am an ordinary man who leads an ordinary life and that is just plain nice. Ya know what that gets you? a 97 Mazda protege. Paperbag brown at that. Therefore I had to add something to my personality. Something that is selfish and arrogant. Something that is confidant and abrasive. Just trying to find a balance people. So while the niceguy in me will hold the door open for a lady, the ass in me will walk up behind that girl and ask for her name as well. I waited too long for life to happen to me. Guess what? It did and I don't like it. So, I am going to say what is on my mind and probably hurt some feelings. Guess what? I will apologize later for the hurt feelings, but not for the fact that I said what I said. I don't know much, but I know this much. I am the first person that I have to care about. I have to take care of my own life and then I can worry about other folks. That is pretty much why I started this project. So I can find out what my identity really is. Can I write a book or a screenplay? Can I be something beside ordinary? I am going to find out. Cause, quite frankly, I have to be able to say to myself that I did the things I wanted to in my life and leave no doubt. Not cause someone told me to do it or cause it would help someone else. Life is about more than family and friends. It has to be about you first than you can decide if you can do anything for other people.

That is how it all began and that is how it is going to continue. I may not have much to say most of the time, but you will know where I stand and how I feel. Cause if you ask, I will tell you. And even when you don't ask I will tell you. I may not become rich or famous, but I will be able to walk away someday and say that I saw what was wrong and I fixed it. I lived my life. Thank you Maria. I love you. Don't ask people. I save that conversation for my therapist. He keeps telling me I have trust issues. I keep telling him to go screw himself. (Pause for studio applause and laugh track)................

Now beat it you freaks and always remember. The Air Jordan 10's and 14's are the best basketball shoes ever. Maggiano's is a great place to eat. And go out tomorrow and do something completely selfish. Do it just for your own sake and I promise you it will make the rest of your day seem a little more bearable and reasonable. You will thank me later.

It's already here people. You just didn't know about it.

Air Jordan 10 X Sacramento Kings Edition (black / concord)

Someday.

The explanation

Now that I have teased you here it goes. I am going to attempt to follow through with this whole writing thing on a daily basis. After another year notched onto my age belt I decided that I no longer have room for days off or writer's block. Just the other day I wrote a complete post that I was about to publish. Then I reread the post. It really was a crappy post. And that was the first time I really edited my own work in such a manner. The post was irrelevant and only held any kind of meaning for me, so it got the axe. I expect more of myself and now I am going to put the rest of this in the hands of the reading public.

I will post every single day until my 29th birthday. This isn't an attempt at a journal. More an exploration of myself. An attempt to see if I can expose my mind, body and soul through my writing to the point that it actually makes a difference to more than myself. Poems, short stories, tales from the day, or even just blatant advertising plugs. All I ask is that you share with me as much as you can. Tell me when I just wrote some junk that didn't mean a darn thing to you. Tell others about my posts if they connect with you and you think others might connect with it as well. As much as I write for myself, I would have stopped writing on this blog a long time ago if it weren't for the responses to my writing. So, thank you all ahead of time.

That's all. No big deal, right? Just the ramblings of a bad poker player who is attempting to support his shoe fetish on a daily basis. By the way, I will attempt to keep my shoe mentions to a minimum. It is not that interesting of a topic and I know this. This is post number one. Time to go play video games or something really constructive like that. And also for all you Itunes Ipod folks. Christina Aguilera's new album is now available for pre-order on Itunes. $15.99 for all 22 tracks plus a remix of "Ain't No Other Man." Best believe on August 14th I will be staying up till midnight to download my copy. I just realized something. I do bring up either shoes or Christina Aguilera in every single one of my posts, don't I? I should get out more often.

LET THE PROJECT BEGIN

Ya maybe I am a lil too obsessed. Ya think?

3....2......1

The countdown begins. The real writer's project. Life open and honest. Once a day. Every day. Get ready for the journey. You will know where you heard of me first. And I will forget the little people. :)