Here I Go Again On My Own

Ok, so here's the scoop. . . (and yes, I began my triumphant return with a Whitesnake reference)

I am beginning again where I always seem to end up.  I have four posts this year and I really should just put a cork in this thing and call it a day.  

But, it's very possible that I could see a small up-tic in the viewership because of my contribution to a fellow blogger, code-name Fletch, creator of the movie-centric Blog Cabins.  He runs a contest once a week called Tuesday's Twelve Tags where he puts twelve movie taglines on his page and has his readers guess which movies they come from.  He also plans ahead so that there is a theme to all of the twelve films and there is a point value given to that theme as well as one point for each tag that is correctly answered.  The reader with the most points when all is said and done wins. . . well, nothing.  But it's fun.  And I happen to be the reader with the most wins (10) and I have a pretty good lead too (second place has 5.5 I think).

So I offered to create one of these tests for him.  He's going to put it up on his page (which has many many more readers than this site ever had) in a week or so and I am gonna go ahead and start working a little harder to make sure there is material (good or otherwise) on the site so that if some of his readers happen to become my readers, then there will be contemporary news and information.

The other bit of information is that I have to post more than just updates on me because, well, I'm just not that interesting.  So expect more movie stuff (especially with Fletch's audience being interested in that sort of thing) and sports stuff as well (just because I like that sort of thing and the NFL and NBA seasons are just around the corner - at least that's what I keep telling myself).

I have some posts in mind already and I have a couple of new weekly column-type things on the other side of my mind as well.  Add that up with the fact that my vacation ends today (oh yeah, I was on vacation from the MW for 12 days - fantastic amount of time) and my second to last semester begins Tuesday (I'm still in denial) and I have a lot on my plate.

But I'm here for you.

I leave you today with a picture of the newest addition to my family, my little Leia (as in Princess - see: Star Wars).  Heather and I bought her from a breeder almost two months ago and she has been a perfect addition. She is playful and fun and sweet.  She is a Miniature Australian Shepherd and is just short of six months old.  She is our baby.  Enjoy (and yes that's a real picture and not a stock photo of her breed, as has been suggested):

Talk to you again soon - - This time, I promise. . .

Monumental

This is post number 299 in the history of A RAMBLER'S RAMBLING. . . I want number 300 to be a big deal, so I have decided to just preview what it will be and let you know that I just got back from a LEGENDARY banzai trip to Viva Las Vegas (prefix courtesy of hundreds of hours of marketing) with my good buddy Cy and I have tons of stories, memories, and money (well, actually, just $50, but for my first gambling experience, I'm stoked to leave with money that wasn't mine in the first place!) from my time there.

And all that will come very soon - -

Until then, while I was reading Bill Simmons' most recent magazine column, I came across one of the best lines ever about fandom and what it means to truly follow a team closely:

"We'll always find ways to care as much as we always did, if only because the day-to-day process of following a team is such an enormous part of our lives. Losing that passion would be like giving up morning coffee or not exercising anymore; a routine is a routine."

Amen.

O, and we are T-Minus 16 days and counting to THE DARK KNIGHT. There are no other words to say except:



O yes!!!

See you soon with my Vegas memories : )

Until then,

Every ONCE in Awhile

Three things right off the top:

1) Yes, things have started to get busy for me and no, that's not the reason I haven't been posting. More often than not, it's because I get to the end of the night and just don't feel like putting my fingers to the keyboard. Sue me.

2) I know what you're already thinking, and no, this post will not mention my beloved PHOENIX SUNS beyond the following statement: We're fine. Don't agree with me? That's just ok with me. I'm a die-hard and you're not. Again, sue me.

3) Please don't sue me. I'm an engaged college student doing my best to just get by.

- - - Ok, so now that that is out of the way - - -

I'm just gonna fly through my updates as quick as I can, mostly because it's getting pretty close to the end of the night. And you know what that means :)

And away we go. . .

- I watched most of the Oscars on Sunday night. It was not as necessary for me to follow as closely as I did last year (you remember the running diary, right?) because I had to write two articles for the AVC Examiner the day after the broadcast. And I did. But this year, it was strictly pleasure and my hope that NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN and, more importantly, the Coen Brothers left the show victorious. And they did. But it was three moments in particular that had nothing to do with NO COUNTRY or the Coens that actually, in all honesty, made yours truly tear up. One was of course the inclusion of Heath Ledger at the end of the classic In Memoriam montage. It still gets to me that he's gone. The second was the performance by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova of their song "Falling Slowly" from the brilliant film ONCE. That performance can be seen here:



And then the third was the absolute best part of the show. By now I'm sure you have heard that they won the Best Song award at the Oscars and then Hansard gave one of the most humble acceptance speeches ever. But it was the moment when Irglova was not allowed to speak because the music guy played her off the stage that it got sad. How could they do that, right? Well a few moments passed and then a commercial happened. Then Jon Stewart did something that the Academy has now taken down from Youtube. So I'll just explain what you probably already know. He brought out Irglova to have her moment instead of riffing on something that he had pre-planned. And then she brought the heart just like her comrade and proved that people who love what they do and that work hard at it do win some of the time. And that, my friends, is what it is all about! O, and go rent ONCE. It's amazing!

But you knew that. . .

- School has been going well and now it is starting to roll even quicker now. Had a test today and got at the very least a B but probably an A. Have another one Thursday. It's school alright. . .

- I had a $1500 sale today at work and now have $3000 for the week after only two days. I still have three more work days this week and I'm gunning for my best week ever. Wish me luck!

- Heather and I went and saw DEFINITELY, MAYBE last weekend and it was actually quite good. Ryan Reynolds is a great talent who I am glad to see getting away from the likes of VAN WILDER. He has a bright future. Great cast all-around and I'm glad that romantic comedies are getting wittier and more guy-friendly. Good stuff. (GRADE: B)

- I saw this online on a Myspace that asked me to be their friend. It just makes me warm all over:




. . . I love it . . .

- I just finished going through the whole series of STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP again. It's just brilliant.

- I will post again this week (before March begins) and I do know that I haven't posted an "Ass of the Week" column in some time, but I'm gonna get all of that up soon. I'm trying. Work with me here. . .

O and the more comments I get, the more I post. So if you like reading my thoughts, my concerns, my plans, and most importantly, my RAMBLINGS, then give a little click click to the comments button at the bottom of this post. . . Just a thought. . .

Thanks as always - - -

Until later - - -

Revelations

So, I haven't blogged in forever. I know. And please forgive me. If I was positive that I had as many readers as some blogs (most notably, Mike's Bloggity Blog Blob and Blog Cabins, among others) I would never allow so much time in between posts. . . .

But I have. And now it is a new year. But this post will say that it was made a part of the world wide web on December 31 for a couple of reasons, which are as follows:

- I can

- With another post in the year 2007, my total number of posts for the year tapers off at 66. This is just ok, considering that I posted 99 times last year. However, I find it funny because of the unintentional symmetry formed by the upside-down nature of the amount of posts this year compared to last year. . . I'm weird like that.

And that's my reasoning behind posting this on New Year's Eve (although, for the record, I wrote it on the night of January 2 - - shh, don't tell anyone. . .).

But beyond that, the title serves as both an allusion to the final book in the Bible (a book which I have not cracked open in eons. . .) because of a calendar year ending and the fact that I will be revealing some rather notable truths that have come to be in the month since I have last brought my fingers to the keyboard, at least in order to type on this website (but you will see that shortly. . .). Please enjoy and comment if you did so - you know how I like that :)

- On the work front, the MW is currently fighting through one of the slowest fourth quarters in recent memory. Ironically enough, this downward spiral began the week after I began. The lofty promises that were thrown at me have been thrown directly out the window, and I have been instead fighting tooth and nail with cheap customers to make enough money to justify leaving my management position over at the FL. I have made more money in the time that I have been there, true. And my responsibilities are much less, of course. And I don't work nearly as hard (in between customers, I will join my co-workers in either reading - which as led to me completing more than four books since I started merely two months ago - or playing games on my phone - which led to me scoring a seemingly insurmountable 10 million points on Collapse, the most popular game amongst us employees). But it's frustrating when on many days, I have helped barely a handful of people throughout the course of an eight-hour day. Just today, in fact, I only helped out one customer the entire time I was there (besides the people who come in to pick up their previously purchased garments that have been altered). If I hadn't sold to them (which I did - I got two suits out of it which garnered a $600 sale, which is a tad above average, and made myself around $45) then I would have left with nothing to show for my day, which has also occurred (one day I left with only $55 in sales for the entire day - that was especially tough). So I don't know. As I honestly told my District Manager (the one who recruited me), every day at one point or another, I think to myself that I made a mistake in coming over to the MW. And at another point in the same day, I will think to myself that I made the right decision. This happens every day. Who knows what this continued indecision means (I personally think that it only shows what a tough choice it was in the first place and my harbored regret, which personifies itself in my weekly visit to the FL to check in old friends and co-workers, sometimes gets the best of me) but it's present and that's all I know.

- Now onto school. . . My classes were up and down all semester as I previously vocalized here. I had actually thought at one time that getting an F was possible in not one, but two of my classes! However, this did not happen, and I managed to pull a rabbit out of my hat in the form of passing grades across the board. I got an A in my Marriage and Family Relations class, B's in both my Visual Communication and Anthropology class, a C+ in my man-hating Journalism class and a solid C in my J210 class, the one that pushed me like no other class has (for better or worse). Those grades gave me a 2.85 GPA for the semester (the + gives me an extra .05), which is lower than I ever received (hell, those are my first two C's I have ever seen on a report card) and I could not be more excited. Not only are these tougher classes than at AVC (which was theoretically easier than high school) but the commute down to CSUN is slowly eating me away. It strains the education process severely, and there is unfortunately no solution that has presented itself yet, because of high living costs, a full-time job, and a desire to have some money in the bank at the end of the month. So sue me. I'm doing the best I can (which I didn't do this semester until it came down to the nitty gritty) and I got the grades I deserved. But I passed them all, and that is a great relief. Furthermore, it doesn't matter anymore that I passed the Journalism classes. . . You see, I went through with the whole major-changing thing. I am now a Family and Consumer Sciences major and I will be minoring in Human Sexuality. My goal in all this (at this point) is to work my way through CSUN in this field and after graduating do one of two things: 1) Continue into the Master's program at CSUN, earning the master's degree in something potentially teachable or 2) Getting my teaching certificate through some manner and beginning to teach at either a lower level (high school and below) or begin some sort of training for higher level teaching. I'm not sure how it all works out, actually. But I can totally see myself doing this. And the greatest part about it is the possibility for me to write on the side. Whether it was going to happen or not, I could have presumably grown to hate writing if it was both my meal ticket and my hobby. I like writing as more of a thing to do on the side - something I'm good at that I can improve on while I'm doing other things. I think teaching is potentially the perfect vehicle for this train of thought and I'm excited to see where it takes me.

- On a much lighter note, the football season has ended and thus so has the pool that I am a part of. Even though I did hold the top slot for a few weeks, I ended the season in a tie for third, most unfortunately. I do win some money (essentially the same amount that I paid to enter for the entire season) but I was more upset by my inability to win. I hate losing (yes, it's true) and am one of the worst losers out there, actually. I'll be humble to your face in defeat (depending on who you are, I suppose) but once I'm away from the arena of play, all bets are off. And I'm still fuming over my finish here (although I did outguess every single ESPN expert overall - I know it means nothing but just go with me, ok?).

- On another sports-related note, my SUNS went 10-5 in the month of December, instead of the predicted-here 12-3 (and given their losses, it should have been even better). It was a tough month, but one that we will hopefully forget and move on from as we have a busy January with 16 scheduled games. Now we are riding a 3-game winning streak and I think we can take at least the first seven in January (the one trap game is at Utah on the 10th since it's a back-to-back after a home game against Indiana, who is not a bad team at all). I'm not worried about New Orleans on the 5th because it's a back-to-back for them and we are in the middle of a short home stand, so I'm confident we win that one. The first big match-up for us is on the 17th in Los Angeles against the suddenly-pesky Lakers. I don't know how, but this team has risen up to a level that honestly scares me. They have a post game with Andrew Bynum that Kwame Brown never had (and never will). They have a one-two punch at point guard with Derek Fisher and Jordan Farmar that make Smush Parker and Sasha Vujacic look like high school players (but a lot of players do that to those guys too). And Kobe is still Kobe, which always means they have a chance to win, which they have done against us so far twice this season (out of two games). We have to win this game in order to show that we are still the best team in the division, not to mention a title contender. We finish the month with a home game against San Antonio who will almost certainly be looking for revenge after we provided them with their first home loss of the season this past month. Now I'm sure we will lose at least a couple of the apparent Gimme Games like they did in December (perfect examples being the embarrassment in Minnesota and the home game against Miami) but I still say we get at least 11 wins out of January, and no less than 10. We sit at 22-8 right now and I predict we will finish January with a solid 33-13 record.

And for now, that will be enough. My goal in 2008 is to get back up to that 99 post plateau, or at least higher than 66! I will come back soon with an update on how Christmas went, the movies of 2007 (a year filled with a whole bunch of quality flicks!), and my predictions and more for the year 2008! But for now I sleep - -

Goodnight, and good 2008!

Until later,

The Gears Are A-Gunnin'

I'm going to bed here shortly because I have a long day tomorrow, but I wanted to post a couple quick thoughts from my ever-going mind about everything that has been going on recently. . .

- I have now been at the Men's Wearhouse (which, as stated before, will be forever known as the MW) for a full week and I feel more comfortable now than I did last week at this time. Over my first five days there, I sold a total of $7000, including over $2500 on Saturday alone (one sale alone was $1100!!!). I'm not sure what my paycheck will look like, but as long as it's more than what I would have made at the FL, then I will be happy (which it most assuredly will be). Every day I learn something more and I get more comfy in my role as the clock ticks. So come and see me, buy some suits (or sports coats. . . or casual wear. . . or shoes!) and add to my check!

- I went 12-2 this week in my football picks, only missing the Minnesota upset over San Diego and Tampa Bay beating Arizona (went for the upset on that one). I think I might have won the week, but I won't know til either tomorrow or even Wednesday, but I'll keep you posted. I'm also in first overall, which is an awesome development. More on that as the weeks progress.

- I finished INTO THE WILD, the book, and am now looking forward to seeing the film because I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I also went and saw SAW IV this morning with my friend Alex (another DC alumni) and we both agreed that it was entertaining but nothing special. Fun to watch, but also extremely gross (in the words of Alex: "I now know how to perform an autopsy."). Overall, if you have seen and enjoyed the first three, you won't be disappointed by the fourth installment, but newbies should avoid it all costs. GRADE: C+

- My favorite movie of the year comes out on DVD tomorrow: it's RATATOUILLE!!!!!

- I'll give a SUNS update every Thursday (since that was the day that our season started) but I do have to react to all you Laker fans out there: Congrats. You won an early season game against us yet again. But consider the facts of the game. . . The Lakers shot 60% for the ENTIRE GAME. You can't compete with that. The Lakers just happened to play the game of their lives against a tired SUNS team that had gotten home at 0400 in the morning after their lackluster performance in Seattle. We're just off to a slow start again. But more on that on Thursday.

- Some interesting reads on the internet:

Waiting Room Sex by Dan Neil
Random Thoughts by Mallory Roseborough

- Also, I've been bugging Heather to post something on here in a so-called RAMBLERETTE'S RAMBLING, but she does not like to talk about herself. Well not that much. . . However, on Myspace, she recently posted a brief update about herself and how things are going in Pomona. . . So here it is:

I haven't blogged in months, and I thought enough has happened that it's finally time for an update. First of all, I switched jobs from the Pet Resort to Claremont Veterinary Hospital. I'm currently working as a receptionist there, however I intend to become a Vet Assistant after some time (a vet assistant is a step below a vet tech, which is still a step behind a registered vet tech). When I transferred to Cal Poly, I was certain I wanted to become a registered vet tech (RVT), and I jumped right into the classes and loved what I was learning. I loved learning about animals so much that I thought, why in the world would I NOT try to apply to Vet school? I knew that would be something I would think about for the rest of my life...why I didn't even try! I was doing well in my classes and I had made several friends in the AHS program and the PreVet program...and I decided I would do it. I would change majors and apply to vet school. So I did! And now I'm a prevet major planning for the long years ahead at vet school. I would love to get into Western University, a new Vet school right here in Pomona, but since you can't put all your eggs in one basket, I plan on applying to Davis, Oregon State, and Colorado State as well. The idea of become a vet is so exciting, but it's scary at the same time, financially and for mine and Justin's relationship. I know everything will work out for the best though, no matter what happens.
The last several months have been difficult for my family...we've lost three grandparents in the last 6 months. We're sure to miss them as the holidays come and go..
Speaking of the holidays, this was my first Halloween that I actually dressed up in years! I had so much fun, thanks to all my friends here. I can't wait til Christmas rolls around.....It will be my 21st birthday! AHHHHH!!! I'll be going to Vegas with Chels and my mom for a weekend, and then I'll probably celebrate here with my friends once school starts again in January. I love everything about the Holidays, from Thanksgiving through New Years. It definitely the best time of the year!!!
I'm still amazed at how fast time has gone since I've moved to Pomona. And at how fast I know it's going to keep flying! I've mapped out the rest of my quarters here, and I can't wait to see what the next few years have in store for me. A wedding? Vet school? A career?? You just never know what is around the corner, and that's the way it should be. It keeps things exciting and keeps me motivated to be ready for anything.
Since its November 1st, I feel like it's a new page...I fresh start in the middle of a chaotic quarter. I hope to stay organized, start exercising more, and ace all my classes. It's like New Years haha, but New Month instead. We'll see how it all goes.
Anyway, just a quick update. I hope to blog more often than I have been. Thanks for reading!

- O and I got my speeding ticket in the mail and it came out to $273 plus $39 for traffic school and then another charge for traffic school from the actual school. This sucks. . .

- I have exactly 15 days of actual school left. . . not that I'm counting.

Ok, well that's it for now. But thanks to all those readers who sent me comments after the NBA Preview - - the fact that some people are reading what I write makes me want to keep going!

Thanks everyone!

Until later,

Strugg-a-ling

So here's the thing:

It's now just past midnight and it is officially Monday.

I have a book report due in a class I have at 1900 today (seeing that it is Monday) on a book that I not only haven't read, but don't even own! It's for my MARRIAGE AND FAMILY RELATIONS class, so I know I can masterfully B.S. my way through a two page reaction and response report, but that is beside the point. I haven't started. I guess that's the point. . .

You see, I'm in a major rut. Or a funk. Or a whatsitdoesit. . .

Either way, you catch my drift. Not only do I have that report due at 7, but I have a so-called Media Deconstruction on the role of women sportscasters in the media world (which contains a five minute presentation about what we have learned, a one page Abstract describing my position, an annotated bibliography with five legitimate sources, and a Talk Back Letter, which I really don't understand at all) on Tuesday. O and what about the 500-word newspaper article about the in-class guest speaker that is due on Wednesday by noon. . .

This is week 9 of my semester right now. Weeks 13 and 14 just might kill me and I certainly wont kill you via the details of those weeks until they get closer, but let me just say that I have my metaphorical plate filled.

So then my friends Mallory and Cy decided to blog tonight after at-least-month-long absences from the blogging world and I felt like I had to as well. . . But again, I didn't feel like it, because that would completely take away from my severe procrastination.

You see, these are just a few things that I would rather be doing than the homework that I am supposed to be doing, (didn't you know that studying the role of women in the sideline reporting business will get me a really great job one day. . .)

- Finishing the season of STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP which I bought last week (o wait, I've been doing that anyway - I'm done with disc four of six to be exact). I am so saddened by the fact that I will never see a new episode of this fantastic show that I completely fell in love with last year. The characters, the writing, and the chemistry are just three reasons why you need to go rent (or buy, for that matter - you will like it!) the entire series (only one season, unfortunately) today!

- Reading any of my books that I am enjoying immensely but seem to have no time to continue (including INTO THE WILD, the book that the new Sean Penn-helmed film is based on, and Stephen Colbert's I AM AMERICA AND SO CAN YOU).

- Putting my thoughts together on either a nice film review of MICHAEL CLAYTON, the first film I have seen in theaters in forever (hint: it's really good!) or the NBA Preview that I have still yet to complete. . . and thank God the season actually begins in less than two weeks! Something else I can distract myself with instead of doing homework!

- Cleaning my room. Sounds silly, I know, but my room looked great about two weeks ago and it has slowly turned into the pigsty that it has grown used to being.

- Get a haircut. Although that would definitely be more difficult at 0100 in the morning, which it is now.

- Be at a Halloween party with Heather and her friends. Which, by the way, I will be doing next Tuesday night and yes, I will be wearing this:































- Receiving and adoring my brand new Phoenix Suns gear that I purchased through the NBA store online. Yes, I could have waited for Christmas. But I figured I would just ask for one of the other sweatshirts. . . I bought these and I could not be more excited!






























- How about doing anything with Heather? Whether it is talking to her online (which we do a lot of since we both are on our computers so much) or cuddling with her on a couch (which we can't do nearly enough of) all I want is to spend time with my better half. She is the best!

- Watching videos like this:



And this (it's Heather's fave song right now):



And. . . THIS:



- Or. . . going to sleep. Which I am going to do now at 0130. . .

Wow, I'm screwed.

Just Me and My Pam

Before I get all sorts of comments or e-mails about some blatant infidelity, allow me to say don't. As I was driving out of the Antelope Valley on Saturday night, I texted Aimee to tell her to enjoy her weekend with Jim and Pam (the finally together couple on THE OFFICE, which she is catching up on - actually has finished catching up on) since I knew she would be watching my seasons non-stop. She replied by telling me to enjoy time with "My Pam" since I was heading out to spend some time in Pomona with my Heather :)

So, in conclusion: Heather = my Pam. Problem solved.

I was able to come down on Saturday night because I had off from work at the FL on Sunday, which was nice. We were able to be lazy most of the day (Watched some football for the first time all season which was fantastic - although, I did not get a chance to watch the much-anticipated Patriots-Cowboys throwdown because of the non-local nature of the contest; I was stuck with the Chargers-Raiders borefest. . . score!) and then decided on a dinner destination in the afternoon:





BENIHANA! It was our first visit to the Japanese restaurant, and my first visit to ANY JAPANESE RESTAURANT!!! I was sorta scared actually, because I am not a fan of food from the Orient. However. . .

We had a blast! It is one of those places where they sit you around an oven with other people (there were 8 of us at our table/oven thing) and they take your order and then the chefs come out and make your food for you right there. They interact with you as much as they can and they also do some food tricks that are quite entertaining. I tried their Japanese Onion Soup (or, as Heather so clarified: the broth only!), fried rice (which is just steamed rice combined with a veggie mix, several eggs, soy sauce, and garlic butter, which makes an appearance in EVERYTHING else that they serve), Hibachi Chicken (what I ordered - it was very good!) and some of Heather's Hibachi Shrimp (which I know my dad would like - another guy at our table got lobster and scallops which also made me think of my dad. . .). They really pile on the food and you leave completely stuffed. . . yes, it was a bit pricey, but with the amount of food and all, it was well worth it.

You see, you might remember a little while back when I said that I had been recruited by the Men's Wearhouse. . . well here is the whole story, for the last time. . .

I was working at the FL on a Wednesday night and it was incredibly slow. These two ladies came in and they were both dressed in women's suits - they looked very nice. I usually go out of my way to assist customers who are better dressed, because I feel like I can maybe sell them a little more. I approached them, provided my usual dose of charm and wit (of course), and once I was told they were just looking, I told them that I would be there in case they needed any help. My parents then came in with some food for me (I was working one of those shifts that does not allow for a break of any kind) so I chatted with them for about a minute. As I was walking my food back to the back room, I saw the two ladies looking at the toddler shoes and decided to say something. I asked if anything was "jumping out at them" and they approached me and asked me if I worked on commission. This was an odd question, but not an entirely new one. Mostly people just assume that we do work on commission when, in fact, we do not. I told them I didn't and they followed that up by asking what my incentive to sell was. I told them that we have to run numbers (8.5% accessories and 52% multiples - - if you are really interested, ask me) and that my incentive was originally to get promoted, which I had done.

They continued to ask some questions about work and all that and I finally requested to know why they were curious. The one that had done most of the questioning responded by saying that she was the District Manager of Men's Wearhouse and the other lady was the Store Manager of the one across the street from the Mall. They asked how much I made and I told them and Kim (the DM) told me they could give me more. They gave me business cards and asked me to call them if I was looking for another opportunity. . .

So I did. I called the following Wednesday and was told to come in on Thursday for an interview of sorts. So I did. I talked to them for about 45 minutes and I was really impressed. They offered me more money overall (I'll be making far less an hour but I will be getting commission as high as 10% on items I sell) and that's exciting, because we can always take more money!

But I was extremely torn. I am very comfortable at the FL, and only getting moreso as I learn more about the world of management. Here's the thing though: the MW (which it will now be referred to as) also offered me full benefits if I work over 32 hours a week (for the FL it was over 35 hours a week, which I did not do). So not only would I be getting more money, but a chance to have benefits for the future. My exact title would be Wardrobe Consultant, and I would actually be second on the ladder, just under management, and ahead of three other positions.

Not that that matters. . .

So what did I do?

I took it. I had to. It's not every day that you get offered a job at an upstanding, highly revered company (according to the website, it was voted to the Fortune Top 100 Best Companies to Work For. . .). It's a once in a time thing (not lifetime, exactly, but close). I had to take it.

SO. . .

I put in my two weeks notice at the FL and my last day will be Saturday, October 27 and I assume my first day at the MW will be the next Sunday, the 28th.

Scary.

But I'm ready and excited and nervous and excited and scared and excited!!!

So, yeah.

I'm actually writing this from Heather's apartment as I am still down in Pomona until tomorrow when I head to school and then home from there. It has been a great couple days with her and I can't wait until I get to come home from work (or school) every night to see her on the couch and curl up with her, or snuggle in bed as we drift off to dream. It's just wonderful. . .

And now as LOVE ACTUALLY winds down (the movie that has now risen into the ranks of my top 25 of All-Time), I'm going to retire for the evening. . .

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

COMING SOON:

- NBA Preview
- The Road to Nowhere: Parts VI and VII (I promise. . .)
- The first ever guest blogger: I'll give you a hint: it will be called A RAMBLERETTE'S RAMBLING. . . O, and another hint: it's Heather :)

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Have a happy Tuesday ladies and gents (and avoid the 14/5 interchange at all costs - trust me on this one!!!) - - -

Goodnight, and peace for now. . .

Um. . . My Bad

Sorry for not blogging this week - - it's been a busy one. . . or two. . . or every single one! God I'm always busy!!!

I had planned on blogging quite a bit tonight, but I put it off for a bit, then watched some television (the nightly dose of DAILY SHOW and COLBERT REPORT) and now am getting a little too tired to divulge my week that was - - -

So I'm sorry, but I will give you a preview of what is to come:

- Had a great weekend with Heather. She came home. Good stuff.

- Decided today that I will not be buying shoes for a long time, thanks to my horoscope, actually. It's a long story, but I'm not jumping into the world of the zodiac. Just trust me.

- Bought four books today for $40 - good deal all around.

- The countdown to my SUNS beginning their season is down to just 21 days!!!

- I hate school and have had a recurring thought of dropping out. . . I'm not going to, but I really despise my scholastic endeavor right now!

- I got recruited by Men's Wearhouse!

- And I am no longer tied for first in the football pool. . .

All that and more in the next edition. . . which will be very very soon. It has to be!!!

Until then, my friends - - -

It's Been Awhile, So. . . A Smörgåsbord!!!

I'm sitting here and it's 2230 on a Tuesday night - I'm alone in my room and at the moment it is Jon Stewart who is keeping me company (although it will be Stephen Colbert here in just a minute). Heather is at her apartment having fun with her new friends. I have literally no friends that live near me anymore, and it is beginning to take its toll on me. But I will get to that here in just a second. Until then, just enjoy the Swedish-inspired fun that follows : )

I have been getting some questions from some of you about THE ROAD TO NOWHERE, and yes, it will be finished soon. I have two parts remaining to write and they are already done in my head - I just have to type them out. How about this: Part VI will be written by next Tuesday and Part VII (the last Part - I figure if I go out like Harry Potter then good things will happen haha!) will be posted by the end of October. So you can expect that much!

Also, the main reason that my blogging has been sparse is the immense amount of stuff that is on my life's plate (not unlike a Smörgåsbord. . .). I have continued my 30+ hours a week at the FL and have been learning more every week about managerial-type stuff. I have also worked it out so that I can have every other Sunday off (starting the 14th) so that I can spend some time with Heather, giving us a guaranteed day that we can spend together a week (she will come home the other weekends that I work since we can spend more time together this way - she has every Sunday off from her new job). That is nice and I will be looking forward to every Sunday now :) Just call it Heatherday!!!

The only other thing that is making me happy is the fact that the 2007-2008 NBA season is less than 30 days away! I already put together my Season Preview (which will be posted before the season begins) and I'll let you know this much: My bias has not (and will never!!!) change!!! More to come on that in the coming weeks, of course, but I do want to address my good ol' friend Shawn Marion, the resident whining S.O.B. on my beloved Phoenix Suns. You sir will not be traded this season. No one is willing to pay you $20 million a season because, wait for it, you aren't worth that much!!! If you did receive that raise, you would be among the top 5 in the NBA in salaries. . . You would make more than Tim Duncan, Kobe Bryant, and Tracy McGrady! This just in, sir: You are none of those players. Your job this year is to play like you have these last eight years as a Sun and see if you get an extension at the end of the year. We tried to trade you this summer for KG (which would have been PERFECT - I was willing to do a Marion/Diaw/Banks plus a pick for KG and a pick and it seemed that Minnesota was as well, but we all know how that ended up) and you vetoed it cuz Minnesota was not where you wanted to go! Thanks buddy. Now you owe us another Marion-like year with as little pouting as possible, por favor. That would be great for once!

Now that I'm off my soap box, I have to mention my complete disdain for my schoolwork. I am a procrastinator at heart and my laziness is taking over. When I get home from school (after that hour drive home!) the last thing that I want to do is homework - think about it, though! I spend upwards of 6 hours in class which is surrounded by an hour of driving both ways and when I arrive home all I want to do is relax. I'm putting very little effort into my schoolwork so far and it is sad, but I have yet to be motivated by anything but my Journalism 210 class and that is just because I respect my teacher, know that she thinks I'm smart (rightfully so. . .), and realize that she has connections in the business - I'm just trying to play my cards right! But other than that, I could not care less. Apathy is slowly taking me over like that black suit took over Peter Parker and Eddie Brock in SPIDER-MAN 3 (which comes out on DVD on 10/30 and I don't think I'm gonna get it actually. . . I haven't decided on that one just yet).





























What else have I been burning on??? Well I'm loving that the Fall TV season has hit! I mentioned a few shows last time but since then, THE OFFICE has had its premiere (which was awesome!) and HOUSE has had two episodes, and I'm stoked to see where this season is headed! I will be watching the season premiere of 30 ROCK to see Jerry Seinfeld and also to see if the show can reel me in, which it did not do last year. . . a second chance, if you will!

I have not seen a movie since 3:10 TO YUMA, which was really good by the way. I'm sad because as of Friday there will be no movies that I really want to see at our local Cinemark 22 (save for a repeat viewing of YUMA). . . but once all the limited released stuff starts being expanded, I'll be making some trips to the movies

. . . Probably by myself. . .

So now it's time for that discussion. . . I'm having a major pity party about this, so just deal with it. I'm busy. Too busy. But that time when I'm not is usually filled with homework or internet perusing/TV watching. All of those activities take place with me, myself, and I being the only people involved. I'm so unbelievably happy for Heather and the fact that she has found some presumably cool friends to hang out and chill with through the week. But it also pains me to think about since I am completely alone. I have been remarking to Aimee that she is my best friend besides Heather, simply because we enjoy hanging around each other and we are around each other quite a bit (well, more than other people I know). I have no problems with that notion, but a guy needs more friends than his girl and his sister, no matter how great each of them are. The list can go on: George is in Georgia as I may have mentioned before and we communicate simply through texting and Myspace messages. Romique moved to Woodland Hills, now works at the Topanga Canyon FL, and we saw each other on Friday for the first time in about a month. I rarely talk to Cy since he moved down to Los Angeles and started his extra-Antelope Valley life down at USC. And Justin and Manny? Yeah, um, they're still in my phone book, but I'm not expecting a call anytime soon. Part of that is because I have been kind of a bad friend. I don't attend get-together events (thanks, school) and don't enthusiastically respond to the offers when they come around. I guess I would rather bitch about the fact that I have no friends and sit quietly in my room, blog, and listen to music.

Whatever - it is what it is.

. . .

I cleaned my room last weekend and it looks really good! So good, in fact, that I would welcome any one of you over to see just how clean it is (just don't open up that closet door haha!). I'm somewhat preparing to move (I just took a ten minute break to call up Chelsea about our apartment hunting situation actually. . .) and I still am hoping for the end of the year, but we'll see what happens. I really like this complex here, with this floor plan here, specifically. Look for things to start happening here in the next month!

I did have some INSIGHTFUL INSIGHTS to throw in here too, but I can't remember them right now. . . so I guess I'll just conclude with that.

Thanks for reading and come back soon because I will be trying to post at least twice a week during the rest of the semester.

(O, and I'm tied for first in my football pool - - just gotta keep it up like always!!!)

Thanks again and I'll talk to ya when I talk to ya

Until then,

The Clash of Right and Wrong

Right: Heather is home. She stayed Friday night, last night, and I talked her into staying tonight as well since she doesn't have to be anywhere til noon tomorrow. Although we spent the afternoon on opposite sides of my room doing homework (more on that EVIL word later), we were together. Instead of texting her "I love you" and waiting for a reply, I could look up from my book and computer and smile at her, say "I love you" and get an instant reply! It's wonderful. I would challenge anyone to find something better than that. . .

Wrong: Homework. I hate it. There is nothing I want more than to never have to do a version of homework again for the rest of my life. Writing a newspaper column or studying an NBA team the night before I do the play-by-play for the game is one thing. Interviewing a woman who immigrated to the United States after the age of 13 three times at an hour each to write a 10 page, single-spaced term paper is another, completely hellish thing. Watching the week's new cinematic release and writing a 500 word review under the gun or interviewing the potential NBA rookie of the year is one thing (well, actually it's two things. . .) whereas creating a Media Deconstruction regarding the role of Women in today's media (yeah don't worry - I don't understand it either) is the exact opposite. I'm done. I'm only five weeks into the first sixteen weeks of my last four semesters of college (did you follow that) . . . and I'm done! I'm already checked out. School sucks - I don't like it. The worst part about it is that I have to drive an hour each way to get to a place that I don't want to be. The only class that I think is truly going to be helpful is the one that is requiring me to do the most work - and it's a lot. I'm really struggling right now. . . Since I got my raise at the FL, it's been even harder to resist becoming complacent and content with what I have. It's not like I could be rich or anything (not even well-off) if I stayed with the FL for a long amount of time, but any job that I get out of college is not going to pay me that much more! My field (journalism) is one of the lowest-paid fields out there, and also one of the most demanding time-wise. So do I really want to do it. . . I DON'T KNOW!!! I'm so frustrated - - -

Right: On a lighter note, I picked a couple upsets this week (Oakland over Cleveland, Jacksonville over Denver) and won my goal of 10 games with Monday night's game to be played.

Wrong: I lost five games, including stupid San Diego falling to the Packers (who I ALMOST picked, I swear!) and Detroit getting blown out by Philadelphia!

Right: Great television shows like THE OFFICE and HOUSE are beginning again this week! Woohoo!!!!!!!!!!!! Plus, Chef Gordon Ramsey (of Hell's Kitchen fame) has a new show called KITCHEN NIGHTMARES that is really good and tonight's episode of FAMILY GUY was one of the funniest episodes ever (they did an homage/spoof of STAR WARS that was spot-on!).






















Wrong: Crap like that Caveman show (inspired by those Geico commercials) and HEROES (ok, so I haven't watched a single episode, but it looks terrible to me) are going to be on TV while quality shows like STUDIO 60 and ANDY BARKER: P.I. got canceled after only one season. . . O well. . .

Wrong: Heather has to go home in the morning and God knows when we get to see each other again.

Right: I get to sleep next to her tonight. So really all is well and more things could be wrong. . . See what having her around does to my morale :)

With that I say. . .

Goodnight all!!!

Until later,

The Calm Before the Storm

In this metaphor/analogy/whatever:

The Calm: The extreme lack of posting on my part over the last two weeks or so.

The Storm: The extreme amount of posting that will be hitting this website over the next few weeks and from there on out.

My goal (Call it a Labor Day Challenge, if you will) is to get on a blogging hot streak here in the near future, despite the fact that my life is undoubtedly going to be CRAZY over the next three and a half months.

You see, school is officially back in session. I am now a Junior (and a first semester Transfer Student) at California State University, Northridge. I commute from Lancaster three times a week (Monday, Tuesday, and Friday) for 14 total hours of classes. If you add the six hours of driving and the prospective amount of homework (say, two hours a week from each of my five classes) to my 35+ hours a week at the FL, I am now employed over 65 hours a week!

But of course I want to blog, too. . .

O and I forgot - - - I'm an adult league basketball team and we have a game every Wednesday night. And I'm still an avid bowler, only I can't find the time to head all the way to East Palmdale to bowl like I want.

But of course, blogging is important too. . .

And of course, I have a family that I would like to spend time with, friends that I wish I could hang out with, and my beautiful girlfriend who still lives 90 miles away (and because of how we feel about each other, there is no amount of time that is ENOUGH time together).

And so now, at noon on this Labor Day 2007, I'm ready to begin a productive day that will include getting some homework done (and maybe even getting ahead. . .) as well as get my work area around my computer in a shape that is productive for my upcoming semester.

I have a lot planned. But you can see that. . .

ALSO. . . . . . . . . .

In the next few days I am hoping to get some posts out there that I have been planning for some time now. I'll throw you the titles to look forward to them:

- THE REST O' THE YEAR MOVIE PREVIEW: VOLUME 2

- THE ROAD TO NOWHERE: PART V

- THE OTHER TEN COMMANDMENTS

So if you are still reading - either this particular post or A RAMBLER'S RAMBLING in general - then please hit me up in the comment section about whether or not you are excited about my return to consistent blogging. . . it will only help me in my return to the saddle (that's another one of those metaphor thingys. . .)

Have a good Labor Day everyone! Don't work too hard :)

Until later - - -

A Busy, Busy Bee

Hmmmm. . . . .

Anyway, the reason that I have not blogged in a week is because today is my first day off since last Friday. I closed at the FL on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and I opened yesterday.

I worked 36 hours over those five days (great hours!) and my desire to type out some sort of update, story (I know, I know - - Part III is coming soon I swear!), or anything like that has been severely limited.

Sorry.

Now I'm going to hang out with Romique this afternoon and then I'm heading to Pomona tonight with Chels. We are then heading down to their dad's place on Saturday and then it's all the way back home since both Chels and I have to work on Sunday.

Busy weekend, yes?

Yeah, well, it's August now (are you kidding me!) and that means school begins in just three weeks. . . Dammit! Why?!?!?!?!

Well anyway, I just wanted to keep in touch, so to speak. Things are good even though they are busy - I guess that is because I don't know any other way. . .

O yeah - and go see THE SIMPSONS MOVIE. Even if you are not a fan of the series, it is essentially eighty-some minutes straight of laughing. Good times. . .

So have a good weekend all - - -

Until later -

Back to the Future

I'm taking a break this evening from my always on-going short story, THE ROAD TO NOWHERE (PART I and PART II), to give you a short update on my own goings on (you liked that play-on words huh?).

Well, for one, I am now officially an Assistant Manager at the FL! I went down to the Northridge store on Wednesday and I had a ninety minute conversation with C.J. who is my District Manager. He grilled me about some things and I seemed to give all the right answers. Well, I must have since I am now an A.M. I'll probably get my keys to the store in about a week. I have to be able to competently open and close the store before I can get them, so I have a couple shifts the next week with either Jose or Romique to open or close so I can learn how to do so. I'm excited! My pay raise should take effect on Sunday, as it is the beginning of the new pay period. That is even more exciting :) Probably the most important part of all is that this is the first step of several for me to prepare for moving out of my house. Lots of big things are in the planning stages and I am looking forward to how it all works out. . .

I have also officially registered for classes at CSUN! Wednesday was my day for registration (yes, the same Wednesday I went to Northridge for my meeting - - plus, I got a little head cold on the same day - - it was a stressful day to say the least) and I got four out of the five classes I wanted. I had to grab another class on a Friday morning so I will be at CSUN on Mondays, (4-645, 7-945 pm) Tuesdays, (2-450, 5-645 pm) and Fridays (9-1150 am). This means I am available to work either open or close shifts on Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday and I could work Monday morning and Friday night as well. The only thing I have to work out is when I'm gonna do homework. . . hmm. . .

While I'm thinking about it, I have to recommend a couple movies to the masses:

RATATOUILLE - the Pixar-animated film (written and directed by THE INCREDIBLES' helmer Brad Bird) was a surprisingly sweet and wonderful film that I enjoyed a great deal. It is towards the top on my yearly list thus far (right up there with ZODIAC).

TALK TO ME - Heather and I got to see this fantastic film over at Arclight last week and I loved it! Plus, following the movie, we were asked to participate in answering some questions about it for one of those audience-reaction commercials that so many movies are putting on TV nowadays - so look for me and Heather promoting TALK TO ME on a commercial near you :)

- - -

Also, thanks to those of you who are reading my short story. And I have to mention this because I just don't know what you do after you finish reading it, but there are just two things that I would ask of you following your completion of a post (it doesn't just have to be THE ROAD TO NOWHERE, but that one in particular):

1. Comment

2. Tell Someone About It

If each of you who reads it does both of those things, I would greatly appreciate it. Just mention it to a friend in passing - "Hey I read a cool story the other day on the internet" works just dandy! And come on, it's not like they're THAT long, right. . .

Thanks again :) I'm enjoying writing it and PART III should be hitting the internet waves sometime this week - so look for that!

- - -

I could continue on about things like the whole Tim Donaghy scandal (the NBA ref who is in trouble for betting on games and such - it's stupid but I believe that this one guy is an idiot and that not all refs should be investigated; at least not for that - they should be on trial for their incompetency as referees), what I think about the whole Michael Vick thing (he's an idiot - focus on football numnuts!), or even the popularity of that little wizard boy named Harry (Heather already finished book 7 - she read it in like three days - I wish that I had started from the beginning with everyone else way back when) but I won't.

Instead, I'll leave you with one link, several pictures, and two videos that have made me giddy, excited, and laugh respectively.

The link:

THE DARK KNIGHT teaser site

I could not be more excited for this film! Holy crap!!!

The pics:

In the same light as the site, here is the first high quality, in-action photo of Heath Ledger as the Joker in TDK. I was skeptical at first with the casting, but I'm loving it more and more!



















Also, here are the pictures that my family took for our church directory a month or so ago:


































They turned out really good! We're a good-lookin' bunch!

The vids:

Here is the phenomenon that is Pearl. . .

The Landlord:



Good Cop, Baby Cop:



- - -

- - -

Good stuff all around everybody - - -

Hope you enjoyed something! Let me know, howabout? :D

Have a weekend,

Easy as 1-2-3

Well it's a Thursday night after 2300, and I am not even the least bit tired. I am registered for a play money tournament on PartyPoker at midnight and I'm tired of playing Blast Billiards (by the way, my high score is 3124 - just try to beat it!). Just thought I would lay out a few new/interesting/exciting things for you this evening.

One: I'm beginning training for Assistant Manager (not Assisstant TO the Regional Manager like my friend Dwight Shrute haha) at the FL. I'm very excited! Me - a Manager! I'm looking forward to the challenge, cuz it definitely will be one. The rumor at the store is that the GM wants to run the store with just four managers (the two existing ones and then the two of us who are training now) and a rare appearance by a Sales Associate. We would run the store (even though the four of us already kinda do - plus all of us have the best numbers in our sales) and do that well, I'm sure. . .

More as more comes around - but I'm excited!

Two: Aimee's injury update. It turns out the injury is just a hairline fracture (I use just for the forthcoming reasons) and that's actually a good thing. Well this means that she can slowly begin dancing next week and be ready for her recital in four weeks. She's walking around the house without crutches and she's happier, that's for sure. I'm happy for her because I know how much she loves the dancing. It seems that some things actually do work out. . .

Three: The world of frugal purchasing has been hovering around me. The first was this Tuesday when I bought seasons 7 and 8 of SEINFELD with the remainder of my gift cards from my birthday. I also bought the new CD by a fantastic Australian band (Guess where I heard about them???) called the John Butler Trio. The CD is great! The seasons are great - I've been watching SEINFELD nonstop! I only spent $30 of my own money on all three things, so I thank those who got me the gift cards, because they paid off very well! The other exciting purchase is one that I have been looking forward to for several months now. Realize that my goal out of this purchase is two-fold; one is for the joy of owning something I really want and find very very cool (and I might wear one. . . I'm still not sure). The second reason is that in a couple years' time, I could resell these items for potentially ten times what I bought them for. . . Now what are these items? Meet my two new best friends, Alpha and Omega!


























These are the newest Jordan releases and they came out a week ago. I wanted to get them, but I couldn't because our store did not carry them (most unfortunately). I could have driven to Northridge to get them, but I did not feel like driving 100 miles roundtrip for shoes. Well today at work, we got two cases of them from the Fox Hills Mall store, since they had too many (they initially got something like 400 pairs!). Well I can't pass them up now (we actually just got the Alphas - the Carolina blue ones) and especially for the price I get them for. This is how it is going down. . .

I'm going to buy two pairs of the Alphas (retail $110) and one pair of the Omegas (retail $175). The total for your average joe would be $430 but I will get them for $300 even after my discount. That's $100 a pair! I will take one pair of each (the only pair of Omegas then) and keep them in their box and leave them in perfect condition. I will maintain them and make sure they stay in mint condition. I was told by a big shoe head (the term used to describe a shoe collector) that in as few as two or three years that these shoes could be as much as $1000 each! And just think about five years after that! Or when Jordan dies in 30 years or something. . . Let me put it to you this way: This guy I was talking to today told me that he has a friend who sold his entire collection of Original Jordans, 1-21 (all original pairs in a size 9.5) for 2.5 million dollars! He sold them to a Japanese businessman. . . It's unbelievable how the shoe business works!

Well the other pair of Alphas are for me. I can do whatever I want with them. First off, I love the shoes. I would definitely wear them. And I could. . . I think I would be the only white boy around that would be rocking these shoes (ha - that's the truth though!). So how am I paying for these? There are two parts to this as well: One is that my parents are giving me $100 towards them, partially as a gift for graduating AVC - - Two is that I just got paid, I already made my car payment for the month, and I am definitely starting to make some more money.

. . .

So I'm excited. . .

Yes.

And a few more things, but in a more rapid fire nature:

- Heather is home for the weekend and then moving into her new apartment in Pomona on Monday. Also very exciting!

- Monday is both Chelsea and Pop's birthday - Happy Birthday to both!

- Probably finally going to see the long-ass PIRATES movie this weekend. I'm not that excited. . . But I guess I have to see it since I'm so involved already.

- And finally, an NBA Finals prediction. Yes, I'm aware GAME ONE was tonight (a SPURS victory) but ask anyone around that I said SPURS in six games since last week. It very well might go five games actually, unless the refs bail the CAVS out twice at home. We'll see. . . Either way, I don't care. At all. I hate both teams. Very much. . .

Well have a good Friday - - -

Goodnight all!

Because We Like Them So Much

It's been two weeks (well, just about) since a blog and SO MUCH has happened since I posted on Sunday May 6th. I'm gonna do a GRAB-BAG-esque post but it is not a GRAB-BAG. Just so you know :) Enjoy:

- Probably the biggest change that has happened in these two weeks is my age. I am now 20 (about time! . . I had already started telling people I was 20 around town). Is that an accomplishment? No, not really. But I am halfway to 40, so that counts for something I guess. . . It's very hard to believe how fast the time has gone. I was having a late-night dinner thing with Cy last night and I mentioned that we had been friends since 7th grade, which would have made us 13. And honestly, it seems like yesterday that we just met and were making jokes in Mr. Arnett's 1st period English class. But anyway. . . I'm 20 :) Yay for me! One more year til the big 2-1 baby!

- Another thing that's changed is that I will no longer be watching the NBA playoffs. The saddest moment of my year occurred last night when my Suns watched the goddamn Spurs build a 20 point lead in the fourth quarter, only to fight back and lose by 8 points. It was awful. I cried. I really did. I can't explain it, well, not very good at least. The sport of basketball is important to me. It is always there for me. It never lets me down. When I need to think about things, I grab a ball and head out to a court. My dream growing up was always to be a member of the Phoenix Suns and lead them to a championship. It's what I saw in my head when I closed my eyes to sleep. I want only a few things more than for my team to be victorious. I don't believe that there is no bigger fan of the Suns than me. And when they enter the playoffs, that is the time that I hang on their performance even more. And they have never pulled through for me. Ever. We are now at the point of the year where I have to wait until November to even watch them play again. That is a little upsetting. . . Caleb was also crying last night after the buzzer sounded. He was just hoping that "Steve (Nash) was ok" . . . As I hugged Caleb and my eyes were welling up, I asked him why we cared so much. I knew he didn't have the all-encompassing answer, but his response did make sense: "Because we like them so much." It was the sweetest answer he could have conjured up, and after he said it, I hugged him, told him I loved him and he went off to bed. . . I have never felt closer to him. My brother might only be 6 (he will be that old in July) but he already has the heart of a fan. And for that, I am thankful.

- I did officially quit BJ's on Wednesday the 9th. It went well actually. The General Manager Mike actually asked me to stay (not surprising - I assume he wants to keep as many people working there as possible) in some capacity. He offered me an Expo job (they are the guys who talk to the cooks and tell them what food to make, when to put it out, etc.) but I declined. I won't go into the grave details again, but I just didn't want to work that job anymore. My hands are now washed and I am free from that job. Done and done.

- This past Tuesday night I had the greatest non-Heather-involved time in recent memory. After work (I had to work an 1800-close shift at the FL) a guy from work and I went over to BJ's to eat. My buddy Chris (bowling buddy) met us there and then another guy I know from both JC and BJ's joined us once he got off work. We talked about basketball (all-things NBA related) from around 2200 to a little after 0100. It was fantastic. I would discuss it in greater detail but the brilliance of the night was in its all-over-the-place nature. We had a blast (at least I did) and I hope to do it again soon.

- I would post more, but I'm gonna finish with my recent addition to the AVC Examiner. I had to come up with a small article about SPIDER-MAN 3 (don't let my article dissuade you, I actually enjoyed the movie. . .) and I went with something new and fun. It's a loose prose (not poetry, per say) but I really like it. Anyway, here it is (in the article, it is not numbered, but I'm gonna leave them in place - o, and the greatest part of all was the title of the article. . . you'll see!)

A RAMBLER'S RAMBLING: THE SPIDER-MAN 3 VERSION
BY JUSTIN GOTT - SENIOR WRITER

1. Spider-Man 3
2. The web-slinger’s third adventure
3. But is it worth your $10
4. And why are movie tickets so expensive?
5. But I digress
6. So our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. . .
7. The trailers say he is turning evil
8. Fighting himself
9. Don’t we all
10. Peter Parker is a nerd of nerds
11. His girlfriend is a failed actress
12. His best friend wants to kill him
13. Sound familiar?
14. Now black space goo is chasing him
15. I hate when that happens
16. Now a convict has morphed into a giant Sandman (who does look cool)
17. But I have already seen The Mummy
18. $150 million in its first weekend, huh?
19. What’s the national deficit again?
20. I guess Americans like their heroes
21. “I understand him” we think
22. I have two personalities
23. I wear a mask
24. I have powerful enemies (Uncle Sam anyone?)
25. But I don’t have super powers
26. Wish I did
27. But then I would have to fight crime
28. Or commit crimes
29. The film runs 2 ½ hours
30. Why do I have questions?
31. A $250 million budget, huh?
32. A plethora of computer graphics
33. But who got paid to write the script?
34. And who voted for Kirsten Dunst to sing?
35. Or act?
36. Topher Grace is cocky
37. But he is certainly competent
38. Thomas Haden Church broods
39. And avoids being worthless
40. So how can it fail!?!?
41. It has so much going for it
42. Maybe too much
43. Too much hype
44. Too many characters
45. Not enough development
46. Spider-Man 3
47. The famous arachnid man returns
48. Not a complete disappointment
49. Not a total failure
50. But on a Friday night?
51. Keep your money in your wallet
52. Or go rent Spider-Man 2
53. Will there be a fourth film?
54. I would bet $150 million
55. Spider-Man 3
56. Stan Lee’s crime-fighting super hero
57. He is just a man
58. And a spider
59. And wealthy. . . now
60. Crowds love Spider-Man
61. How can Mary Jane hate on that?
62. All he does is good
63. Right?
64. So why is his suit black?
65. Why is black considered evil again?
66. Tough times for Spidey
67. Police radio echoing in his apartment
68. Spider suit under his street clothes
69. Bathroom breaks must be a bitch
70. American flag
71. Random, I know
72. Seen the first two films?
73. You understand then
74. “Go get ‘em tiger”
75. $150 million, huh?
76. He got ‘em
77. “Catches thieves just like flies”
78. And dollars, too
79. “Here comes the Spider-Man”
80. Spider-Man 3
81. A joke?
82. Sometimes
83. A serious drama?
84. Not really.
85. A high-budget soap opera on steroids?
86. Absolutely
87. Around-the-clock screenings
88. Nonstop action
89. Mind-numbing absurdity
90. Spider-Man 3
91. Just another sequel
92. Thanks Hollywood

Anywho, have a good Saturday, and I will try to post tomorrow night (I'm trying to arrange a poker game at my house at the moment, so we'll see).

Goodnight for now. . .

On the Other Hand

After a tough post last night (both because it was hella late, and the content), I decided to post a selection of videos, care of YOUTUBE, links, and pictures of some things that make me happy.

(Note: I'm NOT depressed! I'm just not happy with a lot of the situations that surround me right now - - this is important. . .)

To kick things off, how about the old intro for the NBA on NBC from the '90's. This is actually from Game 6 of the 1993 NBA Finals between MJ and his BULLS and my beloved PHOENIX SUNS (this was the last Finals game for my SUNS - - until this year, baby!!!) - For the record, the NBA on ABC of the last few years absolutely sucks. Nothing will ever be as good as a Bob Costas intro as he kicks it off to Marv Albert calling the game. O and the theme song will forever resonate in my head as the greatest sound in the world. Ever!



Here is a tribute set-up by NBC when their broadcasting run ended on the NBA on NBC. This is a compilation of the greatest moments on the NBA on NBC and the funny thing is that I remember ALL OF THEM! I love basketball. The game just makes me happy. I love watching the most talented men in the world showcase their respective skills in a game that means more to me than I can express. .



This is the intro to the 1980's television show, MACGYVER. This may just be one of the greatest shows ever and I miss quality programming like this! Ah, the memories. . .



New shoes always make me happy, and I have new shoes! These are the new color scheme for the Air Force Ones that are all the rage nowadays. These are also my favorites so far. The dark blue in the front is suede - so that's cool. Also, they look much better with white laces, which I have. . . Just so you know :D

















Also, my team is up 3-1 against the hated Lakers. . . GO SUNS!!! That makes me happy too :D The series ends tomorrow night and that I can guarantee (I made a $20 bet with a guy at work that the series ends in Game 5 - and another pre-series bet with another guy that the SUNS would just win the series!)!!!

Another thing that makes me happy is my friends - - -

















These are just a few of the people that make me smile - - there are o so many and each of them means the world to me. I love you all dearly (in different ways of course haha) and I am ever thankful for your involvement in my life, especially these two girls, my favorites, hands down:


















Heather and Aimee are so important to me and I'm lucky just to have the most wonderful sister ever (which I do) but also the best girlfriend and future fiance' (FF!!!) that anyone could ask for!

Also, I got an article today from an English teacher at school who had read my review of 300 you can redd the pre-edited version there) and responded! It's fantastic! Someone read my article! I'll go into greater detail later on in the week after I write a rebuttal of his rebuttal :D

Bowling makes me happy too and I got to do that last night! I bowled really well for 7 out of the 9 games I played (the 2 bad games were 146 and 153) including 3 games over 200 (202, 221, and 234) which led to an average of 187, by far my best night to date. I'm getting better and I love it - you know me: very competitive.

And finally, here is one more video for you. This is the music video for WEEZER's song "Keep Fishing". They are my favorite band of all-time and this video is my favorite of theirs. . . Enjoy!



Have a good Wednesday everyone!!!