I am an upset stomach goin home for the weekend...

Season Premier Night
Last night was a night when I definitely spent the longest time watching TV since...since I don't even know when. Cic and I saw the season premiers of Smallville, Alias, and Desperate Housewives...in that order. Since Smallville and Alias show at the same time now, I have to watch one and record the other and then watch the recorded show after. So I chose Smallville. Pretty good season opener, I like the similarities and ties to the old superman movies and General Zod. I'm lookin forward to see the showdown between Clark and those dudes, and curious to see how they introduce new enemies this year...2nd gen meteor freaks? he he he. The Alias opener was good too...but the thing I hate about season openers is that it kinda throws a bunch of stuff at you, that take the whole season to totally pan out...so now I have all these questions and wonderings...argh. And for Desperate Housewives, I actually didn't even know the season started this past Sunday. But thank goodness for the wonder that is Tivo, which had already been set to record all episodes of my 3 favorite shows. What a blessing in disguise. Anyway, the desperate housewives opener was good too...them womens is crazy! And the new one too!

Anyway, it's Friday...not a very busy weekend for me. Dinner w/ some friends, participating in some UCI stuff, softball practice, and bball game...and that's about it. Not too bad...ahhhhh....

Health factoid of the day
If you're trying to lose weight, in can be hard to suppress the urge to check the scale often. It's better to exercise some restraint, though, because it's very normal for body weight to fluctuate a few pounds from day to day - or even within a day.
For example, if you have a large meal, you could weigh as much as 5 pounds more immediately afterwards. If you eat food that's high in sodium, you're likelier to gain a few pounds of water weight in the short term. The solution: Weigh yourself no more than once a week. You'll get a more accurate picture of how well you're losing weight over time.

I am a quick-melting ice cube...

My God it's Africa hot outside! I stepped out to pick up something for lunch and my external thermometer in my car read: 101!!!! Holy crap. I hope it cools down soon...and by soon, I mean by tomorrow it'd better be like 75 at noon.

Man, I give those people at the McD's drive through far too much credit. I order one item, a salad...with vinaigrette dressing, and of course...for the 3rd time, they get it wrong. I did not check whether or not they got my salad right until I got to the office, and that's definitely my fault. But dude, how do you confuse vinaigrette w/ italian? THREE TIMES?!?!? At least, I don't hate italian dressing...

Dang, today's been healthy eating day for me...had Jamba Juice for breakfast...grilled chicken salad for lunch. Now I just have to maintain the health theme by not eating something like chilidogs for dinner, he he he. Sucks that I had to skip out on two days of workouts and running, but I don't wanna be sick longer because my immune system is weak because I keep overexerting myself. So a little rest ought to do me some good.

I am a not-so-blah day...

I went home early yesterday after lunch because I was not feeling good. I seem to have caught a cold from someone out there...so be warned, I am seeking you out and I will hunt you down! Anyway, I was lookin forward to goin home and getting some good rest, but when I got home, it was like 100 degrees! So of course, my nap was not as comfy as I would have wished it...for I was already kinda sweaty from being sick, and then the added sweatiness from the heat in my room was even more irritating. Even w/ the fan on. Agh... But getting rest yesterday was really good...I felt like 40% better this morning, and after I took this Advil Sinus and Cold medicine thing here at work, I'm about 80% good to go. I've decided on putting off running for this week, at least until tomorrow, where I'll probably just work out or something...and resume my runs on sunday or monday. I was right, I did end up taking time off this week, ha ha ha. I hate taking sick days for sickness though...I don't usually get so sick I need to take a day off of work...I'd rather use those sick days for other reasons...like extra vacation days, ha ha ha.

Burgertime
Last night, Cic and I went to this little burger joint in Pasadena called Pie & Burger. We almost didn't go because Cic wanted me to stay home cuz I was sick, but I felt okay to go out for a bit, plus we were supposed to drive around and check some apts in the area for her and Belle. Anyway, I'm SOOOOO glad we went, because that lil place was GOO -- OOD. I didn't even need to put ketchup on the burger, and if you know me, there aren't many things I CAN'T have ketchup with, especially burgers. Just a cheeseburger and man, it was deelish. It was voted best burger in town a few years back, and the place is just very cozy...everyone that walked in seemed to know Dora, the chick that was workin that night and she was totally friendly. Like I said, I had the cheeseburger and cic had the grilled chicken, and we both had an apple pie a la mode for dessert, which was pretty good. Their pies are probably better early in the day, not towards closing time. Can't wait to go again!

I am a change in the wind...

Things are a changin, everyone's moving, or thinking of moving, or about to move....hmmm...I wonder what change there is in store for me?

Intelligent Design
I don't usually use this media as an avenue to talk about my opinions on political matters, as I usually do not really have an opinion on political matters, but hey, surprise surprose. Anyway, so today began the first day of a trial in a small town in Pennsylvania that just is going to be a landmark trial for schools everywhere. The "Intelligent Design" concept is being proposed to be taught at this Dover District school as an alternative creation design from the "Evolution Theory." The big thing here is that those who oppose the "Intelligent Design" concept being taught at this particular school are saying that this is an attempt to implement religion in school. Those supporting "Intelligent Design" being taught simply state that it merely offers an alternative to evolution. Then those who oppose ID(i'm getting tired of writing it out all the time) say it discredits scientific process, and those who support it say the evolution theory is just that, a theory, it is not a fact. As far as I am concerned, I think they should teach ID in class. And I don't say this because I am a Christian, but becuase I do believe in offering different POV's. I mean, that's like saying why are we taught that the Civil War was all about slavery back in elementary school? We're force-fed information that isn't entirely full-proof all the time, and the sooner we can be taught that there are other viewpoints on things, the better. As far as the whole separation of Church and State is concerned, I have to admit, I'm rather blah about it...

Funny how God has become such a taboo word nowadays...pretty soon they're gonna change our money to say, "In something that cannot be said because of separation of church and state litigation we trust..." Ridiculous...there are definitely BIGGER fish to fry during these times, and I personally think we could use MORE of God in all our lives.

I am a very long weekend gone by...

Man, it's been a while... It seems like I haven't been the only one talking about how busy life has been lately. People going here and there and there and here. I think the bulk of my busy busy weekends have finally passed with "The Day" this past Saturday. Four engagements in one day. First it was Noreen and Mike's wedding. The wedding was awesome...just like everyone keeps saying, it was totally "Noreen," what with everything that happened. And just seeing the look of pure happiness on her face on her big day was worth seeing. I'm so glad she and Mike are married now...I can't believe it's been 5 years. The ceremony was awesome(It was at St. Philips in Fullerton...really really nice church) and the reception was at the Embassy Suites over in Anaheim. Cic and I didn't get to stay until the end of the reception, but we only left about an hour before it ended, so that was good. Got to see a lot of old friends and got to congratulate the bride and groom, so we didn't miss too much. After the it was London's 5th b-day party...which had already started a few hours before. We only got to stay at the party for like 45 minutes. Cuz after the party we had to go to the Colisseum for the Nike Run Hit Wonder. Cic and I ran the 5k. We were originally slated to do the 10k but we had to change it because we also had tickets to the Eagles concert later that night. So in 34 min, Cic and I crossed the finish line together, which is pretty good, considering that she had not run outdoors for over 6 months and I have been dealing w/ a mean bout of shin splints on my left leg. It was definitely an improvement from last year and I can for sure improve on it way more. Next goal is the 10k and then hopefully enough training so that I can do the LA Marathon...got my fingers crossed for that. Like I said, we had the Eagles concert to go to after the run. I can only sum up the concert in two words: AWE----SOME! The Eagles ROCK yo! They really do! They sure did sing a lot of songs! And it was cool to hear Cic say, "Hey I didn't know they sang this song!" referring to "Peaceful Easy Feeling" and "Hole in the World." I threw down 60 bucks on souvenirs, but to me, they were well worth it. And during the concert, before the encores, while all the lights were out, everyone in the Staples Center opened their cell phones and were waving it around while the light was on. Just imagine it being pitch dark and probably like 10 thousand cell phone lights all waving around...it looked pretty spectacular. Needless to say, by the end of the night, I was dead dead tired. I definitely fell asleep right quick after we got back and slept past mass time the next morning. Since we had already gone to mass for Noreen's, we figured we could just kinda take it easy on Sunday. ANd boy oy boy, it was awesome to have that day to relax. Kicked it at Jovan's most of the day and then went to bible study w/ the gang later that nightl...really really chill day...I definitely need more of those. Perhaps another one this week? he he he...

Health Factoid of the Day
If you consume any caffeinated drinks - which have a dehydrating effect by increasing urination - you are essentially "canceling out" the health benefits of the water that you do consume. Here's an imprecise rule-of-thumb for keeping your body hydrated: For every caffeinated or alcoholic drink you have, "replace" it with an additional glass of water.

I am the last day of the week...

Ahhhh Fridays, sometimes I hate'm, sometimes I love'm, work-wise of course. Today has been a somewhat busy day, not one of those boring watchin-the-clock-tick-tock-ever-so-slowly-let's-go-home-already-types, or one of those crazy time's-runnin-out-gotta-meet-a-deadline-by-today-or-else-I'm-stayin types either. It's been good busy and not too hectic. I feel relaxed and it's okay that I still have half an hour before I leave. I got to work out during lunch, had my salad afterwards, and I feel good...na na na na na na na, he he he.

I saw Corpse Bride with Cic last night, pretty good frickin movie man. In the same animation style as Nightmare Before Christmas, and as with most Tim Burton influenced films, has a dark-feel about it, but I always end up liking them. I didn't realize it wsa such a big movie. Our 12:01AM showing was sold out, and there were 12:15 and 12:40 showings as well. I was definitely surprised...but as Cic said, it's probably not something I really followed closely, so how could I know? AND, that midnight showing was the first she's ever been to, which still trips me the heck out. Another added bonus was that they showed the new GOF trailer. Of course you can download it, but it's always cool seeing it on the big screen...I can't freakin wait to watch the midnight showing(which will be Cic's 2nd, apparently) of that movie! It's gonna be AWESOME!

In other news...
A word to the wise, on a professional resume, please, PLEASE, PLEASE do not put an e-mail addy like bigpimpin05@yadayada.com for your e-mail address. How unprofessional does that sound? On a PROFESSIONAL resume? Come on, man. I mean there's TONS of free e-mail accounts out there, just set up one that's free, and just make it look good. Sheesh.

Well, here's some more Chi-town pictures...
Beeb
Jenntot
Tinz
Joesan
Jevon
Ryan
Kels
Lou
Belle
Tommy

I'm off to Vegas, happy b-day to all the virgos out there...sorry I won't be able to make it!

I am a bbq combo plate...

Tagged by beeb
10 years ago:
I was 17 years old. It was senior year, and I was to go through all of the rigors of my final year of high school and waiting to see what college I was going to go to, which would end up being UCI...woohoo! I would not go to my high school prom for the 2nd and final year, but end up going to my best friend's senior prom. I would forego my last year on the track team so I could party, hang out, smoke and drink all the time, just like all the other "cool" seniors were doing at that time.

5 years ago:
I was 22 years old. I was about to begin my 5th and final year at UCI. It would definitely a tough year. I had been placed on strict strict academic probation, due to my performance the previous year, and I had to maintain a minimum of a 2.7 GPA and could receive no grade lower than a B - in any class. I would also be working constantly on my Senior Project, which was to build a working mini Formula 1 racecar to be entered into competition in May of the next year.

1 year ago:
I was 26 years old...Damn, I was 26 years old already just last year...omg. Anyway, just like Cic, I just got back from Hawaii w/ a bunch of friends and I was not wanting to work at all. I love Hawaii, that place is so nice...and chill. I had just started my 2nd year working full-time at Alpine, and had just celebrated Cic and my 1st year anniversary, along with Jos and B's 1-year wedding anniversary, Jos' 25th B-day, and it had been 3 years since pop sufferred his stroke.

Yesterday:
I went to work and tried to run afterwards, but my shin splint flared up really bad and I only got to run a little under 2 miles. I went to Steamers Cafe w/ beeb for the first time in about a year or so and got to listen to the sweet sounds of Big Band 2000 and the wonderful voice of Miss Luretta McCray. She is so awesome. It was really nice going back there and just listening to good music over good conversations and a Turtle. I came home after and tried to clean up a little bit before going to bed and that was it...

5 snacks I enjoy:
1 - leftovers
2 - hot dogs
3 - chips
4 - the mini chocolate bars at work
5 - fruit and cottage cheese

5 songs I know all the words to:
1 - Happy Birthday - misc
2 - Hotel California - The Eagles
3 - Bed Time Story - Slick Rick
4 - Bust a Move - Young MC
5 - Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrison

things I would do with 100 million dollars:
1 - Clear my family's debt and my debt
2 - Buy a house (modest 3 or 4 bedroom at least 2 bath)
3 - Buy my sister a house in Mar Vista
4 - Build a full indoor basketball gym
5 - Give to charity

Places I would run away to:
1 - Hawaii
2 - Italy
3 - Church
4 - The Moon
5 - The Roof

Things I would never wear:
1 - A shirt w/ my collar popped (ach!)
2 - Shorts with Loafers
3 - Sean Jean gear
4 - A vellure jumpsuit
5 - Those fashion sweatbands

5 bad habits:
1 - Tend to over-extend myself
2 - Paranoid
3 - Chewing my food loudly
4 - Falling asleep at work
5 - Eating too much

5 favorite toys:
1 - PS2
2 - Computer
3 - Poker chip set
4 - IPOD mini
5 - Cicely's game cube

5 fictional characters I would date:
1 - Sydney Bristow - she's a secret agent and she kicks major arse
2 - Susan Storm - because then I'd be dating Jessica Alba, he he he
3 - Kelly Kapowski - I would've been a stud in high school if we were dating back then
4 - Cho Chang - I'd be dating the only asian chick at Hogwarts. Of course, I'd have to be going to Hogwarts and be under 18
5 - Aphrodite/Venus - cuz she's the Goddess of Love

5 people to tag I don't know, everyone probably did this already
1 - belle
2 - anna
3 - cecile
4 - francia
5 - joemama

I am a sudden drift of memory bliss...

My kind of town, Chicago
I woke up this morning, still a little groggy, and started getting ready for work, wishing I didn't have to go...that I was still on vacation, in good old Chi-town. What a trip. We had a lot of fun out there this weekend. So many things to talk about, so many places we went to see(like the Sears and John Hancock towers), so much good eating(like Sushisamba or Giordano's), all the shopping, the walking, the getting lost, I think I'll just let everyone's pictures tell the tale. I can't believe there were actually 16 of us out there. It's so much fun to travel in a large group, lots of laughs, and it's just more comfortable too. Of course there are the downsides...automatic 18% tips during our meals(mostly), splitting up because different people want to do things(but that's also a plus, you can "Choose your own Adventure" he he he), and waiting for everyone to be ready. I don't really mind that so much though. The funny thing about having such a big traveling group was when Joemama got onto the "L" and no one realized it til it was too late. And there was a bunch of confusion about where to go and this and that...it was pretty funny now that I look back on it. But all in all, a great trip. Here are some pics, with more still to come:

Joemama(imagestation)
Joemama(Shutterfly)
(pw's are the same as usual, e-mail me if you need it)
Sherwin
Capoeira pics complements of Sherwin
ENJOY!

I like towns with good mass transit systems. I kinda wish we had one in LA, but that's a bit of a reach, considering the city is about 450 square miles in area. It's just not totally realistic yet. It works for those cities that are very concentrated in small areas, just like NYC and Chicago. It makes for moving around a lot easier, though you do spend a lot on cabs and such. And even though you're not driving, you can still get lost, trust us, he he he.

NFL kicks off tonight! Woohoo! Let's go LIONS, LET's GO!

I am a quickly jotted down note...

The last couple of weeks have been absolutely crazy for me...well not absolutely, because I don't deal in absolutes, but it has been quite busy. Man, so many things I've been wanting to write about..

First, all the belated greetings....
August 26th
Happy 2-year anniversary to my beeb! Thank you for being so wonderful and putting up w/ me and all my crap, he he he. I loved the candlelit dinner, it was so awesome. I was totally impressed! You make me feel like way more than a 2 bedroom 1 bath house, he h ehe. I love you bambily :)

Happy birthday to my Auntie Vicky from Toronto. You guys are really cool, I can't wait to visit you when I go back to Canada!

August 29th
Happy B-day Jevon. Sorry I missed your partay, we'll have to celebrate in Chicago!

August 30th
Happy B-day Dorothy. Manna was awesome! I think I'm STILL full! Sorry I missed out on dessert :(

August 31st
Happy B-day to my lil sis! Thanks for being such a great sister! God put you on this earth to show us all what strength is all about. And thanks in advance for taking me and Cic to the airport!

Sheesh...I still feel like I have barely had any time to do anything lately. I didn't get a chance to work out at ALL this week, which I'm really bummed about. I really need to start getting into shape too, esp if I'm trying to run that LA Marathon. I told people at work I wanted to do it, so a bunch of them are training already. Plus, the running crew needs to start running again. So hopefully, I can get a chance to run a few days while out in Chi-town. I also wanted to get my IPOD fixed BEFORE I left on vacation, so I could at least bring it with me. But no dice there either. My goodness....well, at least once this trip is over, I'll have some weekends to actually get some of the things done off my "To do" list.

Damn, now I forgot all the stuff I wanted to write about...krikey! Oh well, it's off to Chi-town tonight...but I'll probably be bloggin from there too...
WOOHOOO!!!!!!