I am a growing e-mail string...

Work has been insane today! Didn't have much to write about anyway, but since it's halloween...

or

Which one is which? HA HA HA.

Time to head out to the OC :) HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!

I am a clean bill of health...

Has it been a week already? My goodness where does the time go? Work is kinda drivin me nuts lately. I have been in non-stop meetings, setting schedules, requesting resources, mitigating risks and problems, and setting travel plans. I even had to fly up to San Jose on Thursday for a day-meeting and fly back later on that night, after which I had to go to Dorothy and Henry's wedding rehearsal for choir. That was definitely a first for me, the day-trip for the meeting. It wasn't too bad, except for the fact that I stayed up all night the night before at Mai Tai, he he he. But that was my own doing, I got what I deserved; a sick day on Friday, he he he.

The weekend was a lot of fun, but tiring at the same time, except for Friday, when I hung out in LB. Next morning, I had to wake up early to set up for Dorothy and Henry's wedding, and then we had two basketball games on Sunday, which we lost both, mothereffer. The wedding was a lot of fun...shorter than I would've wanted, but then again that's the case with every wedding I go to...I never want them to end. So I was pretty tired, thank goodness we crashed at the hotel nearby. It was the games on Sunday that was just exhausting. I'm so sore from those games...and to rub salt in the wound, I sprained my ankle a little and later on got knocked out in the air and landed on my arse and my head. And now, I get to feel the wonderful feeling of whiplash...So I guess it wasn't as great of a weekend as it could've been, but it was still one of the better ones of note. The bright spots definitely make those dark ones far less noticeable, so always stay focused on the bright spots.



Oh, I had my annual physical yesterday. I was kinda expecting the worst. The last time I was there, I was a tad unhealthy; high cholesterol, extremely high tryglicerides(which leads to diabetes), higher than normal BP...I was just a mess. But I tried to tone down my dietary habits a bit, exercised a little more(though I haven't been hitting the gym yet) and and to my surprise my doctor gave me a clean bill of health. She said I can wait 2-3 years btwn my physicals now, unless of course something comes up that causes need for concern. But blood pressure is good, cholesterol is great, tryglicerides are awesome(I cut it down by 60%), and she no longer has obesity concerns for me(yes, she thought I was gonna be obese). She was very impressed, and I have to say I was too. I thought I wasn't eating or being as healthy as I could've been. But she did say to quit the smoking already...because then I'll have to come back sooner than I want to. But dude, oatmeal works yo! Ha ha ha.

I am cold start...

The sky looks miserable. And smoking outside while there is ash floating about all over the place probably isn't the best idea either. But i have to stave off this hunger until after I get my blodwork done in an hour. Man, I'm so hungry...grumble grumble grumble. I remember in Zelda when there's a guy in one of the labyrinths(I think it was level 6) that says, "grumble grumble gumble..." For the longest time I couldn't figure out what the hell I was supposed to do about that. I would hit him w/ my sword and I would just get hurt...and then like 2 days later, I realized, duh, just give him some meat. Anyway, I digress...the sky looks really bad. We are in desperate need of some rain. 3 of the Santa Clarita fires might merge into one super-fire...it's like the perfect storm...for fires. Scary. I'm praying for all my friends and family who have been affected by the fires. I really hope everything is contained soon.

When busy-ness dominates
Work is gettin crazier by the minute. I am now heading 3 different projects, all of which I have to procure resources for within the next week. It's a little bit of a struggle to fight for resources when everyone's dipping into the same pool. It's time to be assertive and demand what I need from the powers that be..because the success of these projects will really affect future business. Man, I feel like an adult. I have to fly out to San Jose on Thursday for a meeting, just for the day. So weird. It's like in movies when people fly out real quick...I never thought it was really possible. I would've stayed the night to hang out w/ Nam, but she hasn't been responding and I have to get back anyway for Dorothy and Henry's wedding rehearsal. I really need to practice the songs for the wedding...krikey!

A breath of fresh air...
Have you ever had one of those people in your life that, for lack of any better words, can only be described as, refreshing? Weird word to use, I know...but it's true. It's like taking in a breath of fresh air, and you just feel a little uplifted a bit when you run into them? Well, this weekend, I ran into one of those refreshing people. I was at a party, just chillin...I wasn't particularly sad, or down or anything. I was fighting with a bit of a cold and a sore throat(which would get worse as the night went on), but at this point in the day, I was okay. And then I ran into my friend, Cheryl, from back in the day. I can never fully emphasize what a small world it is, to constantly run into people from your various circles in the same place. She lives in OC and barely ever goes out...so one time she's out, we run into each other. Granted, it' all southern cali, but the odds are still pretty crazy. Anyway, we see each other and greet, and she was all smiles, as usual. She seemed geniunely excited to see me and I felt the same way. I love seeing old friends. I don't know what exactly it is about her, but she is one of those people that totally makes you feel like things are all good, definitely good company. Well, it had been a while since we saw each other last, so we just gave the Cliff Notes version of what's been goin on the past couple of years. We talked and had a few smokes...probably didn't last for more than 20 minutes. Eventually, she had to go back to her party and I had to go back to mine, but I walked away a little bit cheerier than I had the 20 minutes prior. Like I said, I wasn't down or irritated or anything, but I just had to smile afterward....like a breath of fresh air. There are several other "refreshing" people out there in my life...no need for mention, but props to you people...as Joe Deertay would say, "Keep on keepin on."

Manifested opportunities
Is it truly possible to think something and it really happen? A lot of people chaulk it up to coincidence, or signs, or whatever. I think it's so cool, like I'll be thinking about one of my friends, and then I get a text from them or I'll be really hungry and then all of the sudden a burger appears out of nowhere. Okay, the latter isn't true, but that would be pretty sweet. I think my hunger is really starting to take over. I can smell someone eating cup 'o noodles and I just want to go to their cube and jack them. But yeah, manifested opportunities...thinking something and making it happen. I really do think that if you put your mind to something, you really can do it...it's the age-old cliche, but it's true. In a way, we manifest our own opportunities...by action. We're always saying to ourselves, I wish I could do this...or I need to volunteer more, but we never do it. So how about putting a little action behind those words? Because what use is a thought w/o action? I don't really know wtf I'm talking about here...just rambling, trying to pass time.

This is cool. Find out which side of the brain you lean on.
Right vs Left Brain

I am a losing battle...

Ahhh, the beauty of weddings; drinking. This was me in Iya and Chris' limo finishing the last of the Crowne cuz we wanted to empty the vehicle of ALL the alcohol they had. I sure could use a drink that size right now, he he he.

Oh, belated happy b-day to my lil buddy Theders! Happy b-day Theds! We celebrated her b-day yesterday at BJ's in cerritos. Pizza and Pizookie and some alcohol with friends...how can that not be fun, esp when we're totally over on the bill, I love that. Good job Theda's friends! Finally hit up that dive bar Verwin's been wanting us to hit up, Shipmates...it's a cool little spot. A good place to grab a drink with the boys when Mai Tai isn't an option, he he he.

On a different note...I feel like crap...too many people have been sick around me and trying to stave off this damn bug everyone seems to be getting. It seems like I'm on a slippery slope though...and my body may already have been compromised. But fight on I will...I was taking Airborne for the first few days, but I think it's futile at this point. So I'm trying to load up on vitamins and water. We'll see how that goes. And of course when you're havin a hard time just staying healthy, you're bombarded with things at work. I have been non-stop creating test plans, coordinating travel schedules, setting up meetings and proposing agendas for the next few months. Sometimes, I feel like I'm on an island with my projects. Where are my resources?!?!?

I've been listening to my ipod in my car(that ipod adapter for the car is awesome). I remember when Averell was riding with me last week and one random song came on and I was singing all the lyrics to the song and he was just laughing cuz he couldn't believe I would one, know all the lyrics, and two, like the song as much as I did. I have an extremely eclectic taste in music. Yes, I absolutely love hip hop, but I also like rock, jazz, blues, oldies, soundtracks, classical, bluegrass, and even showtunes, he he he. It's just hard to stick with one genre, they're all so good, in their own special way. Crazy how there's a type of music for any and every mood you're feeling...music really does speak to the soul. A little corny I know...but I like corn...except for when you've digested it and it's time for it to leave your body.

The warning light for my tires went on in my car this morning. I had the tire pressure checked at a tire place and everything seemed okay. I'm hoping that I can just go into the dealer tomorrow and all they have to do is reset the warning light...I hope i didn't run over something and puncture the damn tire already. Luckily I have these run-flat tires, so I don't have to change the tire, and theoretically, I can drive for 150 miles more at certain speeds(I think 50mph), but I don't think I really want to risk it if one of my tires is indeed punctured...and that would suck...bigtime.

Man, there's so much more I wanted to write about...but I'm at my witt's end and I dont' feel like writing anymore...even if I could still write more, I already forgot the topics I had in mind...

I am the coming of the end...

Dark days lie ahead...and I'm beginning to lose my love for professional sports. It's all ego and money nowadays...all me, me, me. There's no such thing as loyalties anymore, no matter what people say...because if you're not being loyal, for whatEVER reason, you're not being loyal. It's black and white. Kobe is emminently gonna be traded...where, I don't really know, and at this point, I don't care, except for the fact that we better get something good in return. It's like living the nightmare from 6 years ago...when we lost Shaq. And of course almost everyone's gonna place all the blame squarely on the shoulders of Kobe, but if you can't see that management hasn't had any part of effing this whole situation up, then they're just kobe-haters and there's nothing that you can say to them that there's anybody else to blame but Kobe. Of course I'm pissed at Kobe too for being so selfish at times. But everyone's to blame here. Man, it doesn't even matter at this point, because it's the second huge trade involving a superstar this year; KG being the other. Man, I'm so frickin upset...

I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with all the tasks I have to do at work, yet I am taking my time doing each and everyone of them. Why do I always do this to myself...

I have a headache...and our game is in 1 1/2 hrs...blah blah blah

I am the borderline...

First and foremost...BEST WISHES to KAREN and JOESAN...who just got ENGAGED!!!! WOOHOOO!!!!! I'm so very happy for you two...can't wait for the festivities to occur!

Man, it's been a while...I want to introduce my new babies...

Allow me to welcome this little tyke...

Her name is Madelyn Kate....and she's my newest God daughter. Her baptism was yesterday. Very opposite of her sister, completely chill and relaxed. I was trying to put her to sleep last night but she just wouldn't, but she'd just chill there w/ her eyes wide open...maybe she was trippin out that an adult could have less hair than her...who knows.

and now...


She arrived on Saturday, weighing in at a glorious 80 something pounds...isn't she lovely?

and of course, the big one...

Sweet, don't cha think? I can't wait til she's broken in and I can really test her out....

I know it's a little shallow to find so much enjoyment in material possessions, but hey, I've learned to take what you can get...even the little things count. And right now, if this is what brings me a smile, then it's what brings me a smile :) and let me tell ya, it sure does bring a smile to my face everytime I look at these two new beauties in my life.

Everyone's been getting sick lately...and I think I'm getting a little of it. I don't get sick too often, so I'm hoping my immune system can fight it off. It would help if I stopped being active for a bit and give my body the chance to rest up. Things have been busy as usual, been doin the Mai Tai thing on wednesdays, and went again on saturday for Millicents(pics to come soon)...if you haven't check out the pics yet, I'll post the link to them later. As far as everything else...there's hasn't been too much goin on in my mind lately...aside from the new purchases and hangin w/ friends here and there, and basketball, I've just thinking about where I am and where I want to be. I've been really contemplating a career change option, but I want to see what steps I'd need to take to pursue it. It would be a long road though, I just gotta be willing and determined enough to embark on a new journey...but I'll expound on that later...

oh crud, I'm supposed to leave to pick up Verdog from the airport 10 minutes ago!

I still have to blog about my current top 5

"If what you are doing isn't working, why do more of it?"

I am the bass in the ace...

First of all, belated HAPPY B-DAY to the roomie!!! You rock girl!

Jem's one of the few people I know who gets uber-excited for her b-day. It's kinda cool. I wish I shared that enthusiasm when my big day came around. Well, I AM turning 30...that's quite a milestone, maybe that will get me revved up....probably not though, he he he. HAPPY B-DAY JEM! We celebrated her b-day at Mai Tai the other night...well, we're there EVERY wednesday...but she did come out and we did celebrate her b-day at midnight. Hope you had fun buddy!



Man, what a busy ass friday...I've been in 5 meetings today. And some of them are SO unproductive...those mtgs really suck some mean donkey balls man. Close-mindedness and communication issues...blah! Let's stick to the agenda and get moving so we can get back to work already people! Okay, that was my work vent...movin along.

And last but not least...

Picture by Ja and editting work by Verdoggy(someone had a lot of time on his hands)

It's weekend time...and time for some fun and debauchery in good 'ol VIVA LAS VEGAS! Woohoo! Party hard and don't do anything I wouldn't do...bwah ha ha! Happy Friday ALL!!!

oh yeah, i wanted to blog about this but I have no time...so coming soon....
The current top 5
Car status
Shopping to do list

I am the base...

It's nice to finally have my own bed again - I have officially relocated to downey...and I couldn't feel more at home. I've been there for about 4 days now...still not completely settled, but it's a work in progress...work that will hopefully be complete in a few weeks so I can start telling peeps to come over. My new bed got delivered last Wednesday, and contrary to everyone else's opinions, I think it is the most comfortable thing ever. I get such a good night's sleep on that sucker. But no one else really likes it, because it is extremely firm...I sleep mainly on my back, so it's exactly what I need. To each his own right? But it's funny to hear the reactions: Roomie's sister - "Is he sure he ordered the right bed?" Roomie's sister-in-law, "He really sleeps on this?" Roomie - (knocking on floor) "This is what your bed feels like." Ha ha ha. Punks. New home, new surroundings...feels pretty cool. Can't wait to be able to cook my own dinners(kitchen's not fully done yet, it's being remodeled), watch my HDTV(TV's not delivered yet, but will be soon and HD cable not set up yet), and drink a beer(still need to buy some beers). Can't wait.

Work has all of the sudden kicked up into high gear. I feel like I was in park and now I'm in 6th in a second. They've put me in charge of two pretty big projects....kinda nervous, but definitely up for the challenge. I think I've had enough of sitting on my arse here at work for a while. It's time to get my hands dirtay. Heeeeeeere weeeee goooo!

I need to really cut some activity out of my schedule. I'm never really home and I really want to spend more time chillin rather than going here and there ALL the time. It's not that I'm this super-busy guy that has to be at all these things, I just set up a lot of things for myself and find myself always running out of time. It would be good to not have to deal w/ that sometimes. So I probably will cut out

It's great to touch base w/ old friends. Just good to catch up and see what's goin on in different people's lives. Laugh about the old times, shake your head about them, and just talk. Funny how even years apart, some relationships don't seem like they've ever missed a beat. Friendship is amazing like that...

Dangit, there's a hole in my sock and my middle toe just went through it. I swear that hole was tiny earlier this morning, I didn't think it would open up. That's what I get. It's the most annoying feeling. I'ma have to take off my shoe so I can free the toe, dangit...how will I be able to do that w/o anyone seeing? Maybe I'll go for a smoke and a walk...

This whole car thing is a lot of work. Kindof fun, but a lot of work. A little closer to getting the car, still workin the numbers with various dealers. Also gonna FINALLY get my dang TV that I ordered almost a month ago. Guess that means I'll need to buy my TV stand soon!

"In adversity there is always opportunity."
(I know I've used this one before, but it's fitting)