Hello all, and welcome back.
The reason for my recent shortage of new posts (well, it's been a week and a half) is very simple. I have moved. I am presently typing from my completely furnished and ready to be viewed apartment. Anyone and everyone should let me know when they want to come see it!
Just gotta make sure I'm here though. . . I haven't been able to enjoy the new space as much as I would like because I have been so busy this last week. Want to know how? Here goes nothing. . . (oh and each topic I discuss will either be about a departure or an arrival - those of you who have read me in the past know that I always make sense of my titles!)
The Big Move (Arrival. . . obviously)
Heather and I are enjoying our 840 square feet of freedom. We even made our IKEA trip and got new stuff (lots of new stuff) in the form of a kitchen table, chairs for that table, an end table for our couch, two bedside tables, a couple lamps, and a big plant (that is her new "pet" until we get a more mobile one). We set up all of that last night and threw away all the cardboard box remains this morning and are all set up except for the pictures on the wall, which is always the last thing to do anyway. Everything fits and the complex continues to make me happy each day. We both said that working out will resume this week (and it will) and I can totally see an absolute blast of a summer approaching. I have finals this week and then I am out of school for nearly three months (!!!) so I can truly enjoy all that the new area has to offer me! Pictures are coming soon. . . I just have to take some!
Scrubs (Departure. . . sadly)
A brief note about what will go down as my favorite television show of all time (sorry, FRIENDS). What a great ending! The final hour was everything that the series was as a whole. Serious, but funny. Bittersweet. And in the end, it showed the characters exactly how I wanted them to be (e.g. Dr. Cox revealing his true feelings for J.D.). I'm going to miss new episodes and I hope that the rumors of it coming back in the form of an "interns" type show with a couple of the main characters returning is ok by me, but I hope they don't. Scrubs was about J.D. and the people that were around him. Without him, it just won't seem right. However, if Dr. Cox is on every episode, you can bet I will be turning in!
Reseda (Departure. . . YES!)
On Thursday, in my two hour window between classes, I went to my apartment in Reseda for the last time. I spent about an hour vacuuming and cleaning the kitchen tile floor and cleaning the bathroom and all the jazz that goes along with moving out of an apartment. I gave my keys back to my manager and said my good riddances (not goodbyes. . . those are reserved for places or people I will miss). It was a necessary evil, a place that I can look back on as my first place outside of home. I did it on my own for seven months and could have kept going, but it just wasn't safe and secure, and I kind of like those things to describe the place that I am living!
Spring Semester 2009 (Departure. . . finally!)
It is officially Finals Week (as it nears the midnight hour turning into Sunday) and I couldn't be happier about the end of a semester. It has been a stressful one, mainly because of all my personal drama and my increase in hours at work (an average of 42 instead of 36, plus a longer drive at five times a week adds up too). But right now, I'm thinking I have a guaranteed A in my Lab (only one unit though) as well as one other class (granted I get at least a B on the Final). I have two B's for sure in two other classes (although they could end up being A's, which would be awesome) and then I have one other class. The number to the class is 170, which means its my last G.E. class for my Major and it just means that it is filled with Freshmen and it is absolutely ridiculous. The teacher likes me and told me on Thursday that "I'll be fine" as long as I take a make-up quiz that is available online until Monday. I'm not sure what "fine" means but if it is at least a C, I will be content. Then I'm down to two more semesters and I will have graduated! Four years down, one to go.
Spring (Departure)
It is officially summer in Southern California as the weather has certainly turned to the warmer, getting up to just shy of triple digits this past week. I do have to admit though that I love the mornings and evenings here, you know, when it cools down to the 70s and you can just enjoy the weather instead of feel the weather? Yeah, that's why I live in California!
Summer Movie Season (Arrival)
With last week's WOLVERINE release (not gonna see it, even if you pay me), and this weekend's STAR TREK it is offically the Summer at the Box Office. I have only seen four movies this entire year (crazy, I know) and I have a pretty good batting average right now (really enjoyed TAKEN, dug WATCHMEN despite not knowing anything going in, absolutely loved I LOVE YOU, MAN and was bored to almost-sleep by ADVENTURELAND). As a note to you, these are my top 10 most anticipated movies of this Summer, in order of least to greatest (and my next post will be all about why they are where they are on that list - for now, enjoy the list!):
10. UP
9. ANGELS AND DEMONS
8. FUNNY PEOPLE
7. HARRY POTTER 6
6. BRUNO
5. TRANSFORMERS 2
4. PUBLIC ENEMIES
3. STAR TREK
2. INGLORIOUS BASTERDS
1. TERMINATOR SALVATION
And finally. . .
21 (Departure)
In one hour, I will be 22. (Well, officially, it's not until 9:57 p.m. on the 10th, but I say it works). I'm excited to not be 21 anymore, if only because now I can scoff when they check my ID. What?!?! I'm 22 dammit! Haha. . . Either way, it's another in the long list of big steps on my way to getting older and more established. And I am excited to get older. I know people tell me that one day I will regret wanting to get older, but that's fine. For now, I want to be older. Let it be. But more importantly, it's Mother's Day, so give your mom a hug and tell her you love her. Because without her, you don't exist, and that's just science : )
Well that's it for tonight. Gonna go eat a late-night dinner that Heather just made for me (benefit number 6,783 of living with her - she can cook!) and cuddle up with a movie until we go to sleep after the midnight hour (gotta stay up til my birthday!). Have a happy Sunday and a Mother's Day and I will see you all here again very soon. That you can count on!
Goodnight. . .
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
On the Move
Welcome back to A Rambler's Rambling. This is the new and improved version of this blog that is going to just blow your mind! Well, maybe not, but it's at least going to be updated frequently. Kind of like the way it used to be way back when (we're talking almost four years ago now!). . .
Anyway, my stress level is at an all-time high as I am in the process of moving in the middle of Week 14/16 of the semester, which also happens to be the first week of Prom for the high schools in the Simi Valley area, causing me to have to work a few extra hours at the ol' MW. So not only am I pulling twelve hour shifts (tomorrow, in fact, I will be there from 9-9), getting ready for finals and doing final projects (my last Lab Report is due this Thursday), but I'm busily packing the items that just got unpacked seven short months ago. . .
But I'm getting ahead of myself.
How did I get to some of these spots exactly? Let me divulge, if I can be brief. . .
Back in mid-late September, things were going decently at the MW in Palmdale. I was comfortable in the location and really getting to like the crew there. I was approaching my one year mark with the company (to see my thoughts after my first week there, head here) when Kim, my District Manager who recruited me, asked me if I wanted to go down to Woodland Hills (one of the top two volume stores in our district) and interview for an upcoming opening on their Sales Team. I was nervous, but thanks to her encouragement, I went for it. I got down there, met the Store Manager, Edward, and the position was all but mine, save for one thing. . . Me accepting it. Now, I had wanted to move down that direction for some time (even doing this same interview thing back in May 2008 in Burbank) but it was also a scary idea of having to move out of the nest, which was a rather safe nest at that.
But after much deliberation (and pushing from Kim - she told me that this could be my last chance to get down below, closer to school, for some time) I decided to take it. Ok, great, now you start in two weeks! So within that two weeks, I looked at some apartments in the cities in between Northridge (school) and Woodland Hills (work) and tried to find the best deal/situation available in such a short time. I felt like Goldilocks, where things were either too nice (therefore too expensive) or too disheveled to even consider setting something down for fear it would get taken. I finally found one in Reseda, and the apartment was 3 miles from school and 6 from work. Perfect! It wasn't great but it had a garage that I could share with four other people, so at least my car would be protected. It was a downstairs apartment, so at least moving would be easier. It was a one bedroom, all I needed, with a spacious kitchen and living room. And although the neighborhood was almost Little Mexico (complete with an Ice Cream truck that plays mariachi music), I took it because I could get it on my own without my parents co-signing, a big deal for my first place. So I signed a one-year lease to pay $950 a month plus utilities at the Ambassador Apartments.
Fast forward to today, and I have mixed reactions about my time spent here. It's been seven months, and having served my minimum tenancy of six months, I'm bailing. I gave them plenty of notice, so I will get my security deposit back (a cool $1000 thank you very much), but why leave, you might ask. Well I have had some interesting events occur around here over the last month or two, (don't worry, those stories will make their debuts soon) and my overall safety is in limbo on a day-to-day basis. I don't feel personally threatened or anything, but I just feel ridiculously uncomfortable, a feeling that you shouldn't have at home, or anywhere that you're spending more than $1000 a month to live in.
So I'm moving. Now, common sense says to move to northern Northridge by the 118 freeway, since I now work at the Simi Valley MW (oh, I didn't say that earlier - - sorry, I guess that longer story will have to wait too. Just go with it for now - I got promoted and am now an Assistant Manager II at the store there) and that would be better for getting to work. But, as I said the other day, I am going for happiness.
And the thing, or should I say person, who makes me happiest is Heather. We have now been together nearly 5.5 years (remember from my last post before my big break that we are no longer engaged, but happily moving towards that time - we don't want to get engaged again until the wedding could be in planning mode and we want to be closer to careers before that happens. . . but again, I'm getting ahead of myself) and now that I live down closer to her, our relationship has really hit new levels. We are closer than ever and enjoy spending time with each other more than anything. She gets her Bacherlors degree in June and starts up again in the Fall at Cal Poly Pomona for her Masters degree. Her lease with her three roommates (four girls, two bedrooms, rare visits for Justin) is up in July so we had already began planning a big move when my lease was up in October. However, with me getting out of mine early, she agreed to do the same (while still paying her minimal rent in Pomona) and we began apartment hunting a month ago.
And now we are just three days from moving to Glendale together.
But I think I'm gonna leave it at that for the night. If you got this far, I commend you, and promise that more details will follow. But for now, my bed is what calls me and I must listen, because like I said, a twelve hour work day awaits me.
I would like to take a second and welcome any new readers (namely, Fletch from Blog Cabins, based out of my home state of Arizona!) who have decided to see what I make of this renewed interest in blogging. I do hope to post things different than updates on my life, but since it has been so long, that's what's going to be prevalent for a couple weeks. Hang tight, learn a little something about me, and when we get to some more "fun" stuff, it will be worth the wait.
I hope.
Goodnight all, and I hope you have a pleasant Thursday - - -
Anyway, my stress level is at an all-time high as I am in the process of moving in the middle of Week 14/16 of the semester, which also happens to be the first week of Prom for the high schools in the Simi Valley area, causing me to have to work a few extra hours at the ol' MW. So not only am I pulling twelve hour shifts (tomorrow, in fact, I will be there from 9-9), getting ready for finals and doing final projects (my last Lab Report is due this Thursday), but I'm busily packing the items that just got unpacked seven short months ago. . .
But I'm getting ahead of myself.
How did I get to some of these spots exactly? Let me divulge, if I can be brief. . .
Back in mid-late September, things were going decently at the MW in Palmdale. I was comfortable in the location and really getting to like the crew there. I was approaching my one year mark with the company (to see my thoughts after my first week there, head here) when Kim, my District Manager who recruited me, asked me if I wanted to go down to Woodland Hills (one of the top two volume stores in our district) and interview for an upcoming opening on their Sales Team. I was nervous, but thanks to her encouragement, I went for it. I got down there, met the Store Manager, Edward, and the position was all but mine, save for one thing. . . Me accepting it. Now, I had wanted to move down that direction for some time (even doing this same interview thing back in May 2008 in Burbank) but it was also a scary idea of having to move out of the nest, which was a rather safe nest at that.
But after much deliberation (and pushing from Kim - she told me that this could be my last chance to get down below, closer to school, for some time) I decided to take it. Ok, great, now you start in two weeks! So within that two weeks, I looked at some apartments in the cities in between Northridge (school) and Woodland Hills (work) and tried to find the best deal/situation available in such a short time. I felt like Goldilocks, where things were either too nice (therefore too expensive) or too disheveled to even consider setting something down for fear it would get taken. I finally found one in Reseda, and the apartment was 3 miles from school and 6 from work. Perfect! It wasn't great but it had a garage that I could share with four other people, so at least my car would be protected. It was a downstairs apartment, so at least moving would be easier. It was a one bedroom, all I needed, with a spacious kitchen and living room. And although the neighborhood was almost Little Mexico (complete with an Ice Cream truck that plays mariachi music), I took it because I could get it on my own without my parents co-signing, a big deal for my first place. So I signed a one-year lease to pay $950 a month plus utilities at the Ambassador Apartments.
Fast forward to today, and I have mixed reactions about my time spent here. It's been seven months, and having served my minimum tenancy of six months, I'm bailing. I gave them plenty of notice, so I will get my security deposit back (a cool $1000 thank you very much), but why leave, you might ask. Well I have had some interesting events occur around here over the last month or two, (don't worry, those stories will make their debuts soon) and my overall safety is in limbo on a day-to-day basis. I don't feel personally threatened or anything, but I just feel ridiculously uncomfortable, a feeling that you shouldn't have at home, or anywhere that you're spending more than $1000 a month to live in.
So I'm moving. Now, common sense says to move to northern Northridge by the 118 freeway, since I now work at the Simi Valley MW (oh, I didn't say that earlier - - sorry, I guess that longer story will have to wait too. Just go with it for now - I got promoted and am now an Assistant Manager II at the store there) and that would be better for getting to work. But, as I said the other day, I am going for happiness.
And the thing, or should I say person, who makes me happiest is Heather. We have now been together nearly 5.5 years (remember from my last post before my big break that we are no longer engaged, but happily moving towards that time - we don't want to get engaged again until the wedding could be in planning mode and we want to be closer to careers before that happens. . . but again, I'm getting ahead of myself) and now that I live down closer to her, our relationship has really hit new levels. We are closer than ever and enjoy spending time with each other more than anything. She gets her Bacherlors degree in June and starts up again in the Fall at Cal Poly Pomona for her Masters degree. Her lease with her three roommates (four girls, two bedrooms, rare visits for Justin) is up in July so we had already began planning a big move when my lease was up in October. However, with me getting out of mine early, she agreed to do the same (while still paying her minimal rent in Pomona) and we began apartment hunting a month ago.
And now we are just three days from moving to Glendale together.
But I think I'm gonna leave it at that for the night. If you got this far, I commend you, and promise that more details will follow. But for now, my bed is what calls me and I must listen, because like I said, a twelve hour work day awaits me.
I would like to take a second and welcome any new readers (namely, Fletch from Blog Cabins, based out of my home state of Arizona!) who have decided to see what I make of this renewed interest in blogging. I do hope to post things different than updates on my life, but since it has been so long, that's what's going to be prevalent for a couple weeks. Hang tight, learn a little something about me, and when we get to some more "fun" stuff, it will be worth the wait.
I hope.
Goodnight all, and I hope you have a pleasant Thursday - - -
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
An Absolute Mess
So the weather here in southern California is just plain terrible. The rain is coming down like crazy - I swear, at times it's like God turned on the faucet full-force and just forget to turn it off after he finished brushing his teeth. Or some other analogy that means the weather is not nice. . .
I got to experience the wonderful weather in full force this evening as I came home from school in the middle of, get this, a snow storm! As I went through the mountains on the 14 freeway, the pouring rain turned into slush which gradually turned into those little white speckles that began furiously flying horizontally at my car (that's when you know it's snow - when it begins attacking you instead of nicely - or in today's case, roughly - falling on top of you).
That's right - I'm back in school. And I am none too thrilled. It's not that I hate school or the idea of learning something new, it's just the damn drive that is already getting to me two days in. Yes, I love my car (who, by the way, I have decided to name Marty. Why Marty? Well, my favorite film character besides Han Solo is definitely Marty McFly from Back to the Future. I mentioned the thought of naming a very distant future son Marty to Heather and she quickly declined, which I understand, but something has to be named Marty for me. Maybe a future dog. . . we'll see. . .) but it's still an hour drive there and an hour return which I get to look forward to during the three hour classes that I sit through. It's tough knowing you have to sit through some traffic and inch along the same freeway four days a week. . .
O yeah, my schedule is awful. The only workable schedule I was allowed (due to the fact that some 35,000 people are trying to get the same 45 seats as me) was Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 1620-1850 and Wednesday from 1800-2045. That's four classes in four days. One a day. That sucks. But, all of my classes are of specific interest to me in one way or another, and I am looking forward to getting what I can out of them. The more I think about my future, the more I get excited and scared at the same time. I'm really no different than the weather, really. I am, for lack of a better term, an absolute mess. . .
But I'm always fighting. Always. No one will ever stop me from working hard and doing my best. Not even stupid customers that buy nothing from me (more on the tragically-slow MW in the days to come). Not my deceitful store manager who gets nothing but good luck when it comes to sales while the rest of us struggle to get by. And certainly not me, the cynical-as-always person in charge of all of my actions - and I am the most difficult adversary when it comes to me. No one is tougher on me than me. . . And no one is gonna convince me otherwise.
But enough of that for now - I'll be back soon with another update. Once I go to my last first class on Monday (did you follow that time table?) I'll completely recap my entire schedule, which you have already heard about. But more in depth, of course. It wouldn't be A RAMBLER'S RAMBLING if I didn't :)
Happy trails for now and as always - - -
Until later,
I got to experience the wonderful weather in full force this evening as I came home from school in the middle of, get this, a snow storm! As I went through the mountains on the 14 freeway, the pouring rain turned into slush which gradually turned into those little white speckles that began furiously flying horizontally at my car (that's when you know it's snow - when it begins attacking you instead of nicely - or in today's case, roughly - falling on top of you).
That's right - I'm back in school. And I am none too thrilled. It's not that I hate school or the idea of learning something new, it's just the damn drive that is already getting to me two days in. Yes, I love my car (who, by the way, I have decided to name Marty. Why Marty? Well, my favorite film character besides Han Solo is definitely Marty McFly from Back to the Future. I mentioned the thought of naming a very distant future son Marty to Heather and she quickly declined, which I understand, but something has to be named Marty for me. Maybe a future dog. . . we'll see. . .) but it's still an hour drive there and an hour return which I get to look forward to during the three hour classes that I sit through. It's tough knowing you have to sit through some traffic and inch along the same freeway four days a week. . .
O yeah, my schedule is awful. The only workable schedule I was allowed (due to the fact that some 35,000 people are trying to get the same 45 seats as me) was Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 1620-1850 and Wednesday from 1800-2045. That's four classes in four days. One a day. That sucks. But, all of my classes are of specific interest to me in one way or another, and I am looking forward to getting what I can out of them. The more I think about my future, the more I get excited and scared at the same time. I'm really no different than the weather, really. I am, for lack of a better term, an absolute mess. . .
But I'm always fighting. Always. No one will ever stop me from working hard and doing my best. Not even stupid customers that buy nothing from me (more on the tragically-slow MW in the days to come). Not my deceitful store manager who gets nothing but good luck when it comes to sales while the rest of us struggle to get by. And certainly not me, the cynical-as-always person in charge of all of my actions - and I am the most difficult adversary when it comes to me. No one is tougher on me than me. . . And no one is gonna convince me otherwise.
But enough of that for now - I'll be back soon with another update. Once I go to my last first class on Monday (did you follow that time table?) I'll completely recap my entire schedule, which you have already heard about. But more in depth, of course. It wouldn't be A RAMBLER'S RAMBLING if I didn't :)
Happy trails for now and as always - - -
Until later,
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
My New Baby
I'm trying to come up with a name for it, but as of right now, it will just have to go by it's given birth name:
Scion xD
That's right, I have a new car! I have been putting crazy miles on my 2000 Volkswagen Jetta for some time now (with the commute to school and frequent trips to Pomona to see Heather). I recently crossed the 122,000 mile mark to be exact.
But the xD had 14 miles on it when I picked it up today.
And that's just one reason why I did this. Others include the fact that it gets better gas mileage than the Jetta, is naturally more trustworthy of a vehicle by being a brand new vehicle, and despite being exponentially greater than the Jetta, is only $100 more a month due from me than I paid for the Jetta.
And o yeah, here it is (it's the red one, only mine is a silver color):
I also added a GPS Navigation System (which is the same system that is in the Toyota Avalon - Scion is a separate company from, but an affiliate of, Toyota - which is the luxury vehicle of Toyota), a light kit that makes the interior light up, a sporty shift knob (this is an automatic, unlike the 5-speed Jetta), and the Bluetooth capability (which I have to figure out soon since it's illegal to talk on your cell phone nowadays. . .) which will allow me to answer my phone through my car and hear my callers through the speakers of the car.
I'm so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
More news on it as I drive it around a bit more (I've only driven from the dealer to work and then home from work) and that should be after my trip to Pomona - I'm heading out there to see Heather tomorrow and coming home on Saturday morning before I work at noon.
So, yeah :)
What do you think!!!
Scion xD
That's right, I have a new car! I have been putting crazy miles on my 2000 Volkswagen Jetta for some time now (with the commute to school and frequent trips to Pomona to see Heather). I recently crossed the 122,000 mile mark to be exact.
But the xD had 14 miles on it when I picked it up today.
And that's just one reason why I did this. Others include the fact that it gets better gas mileage than the Jetta, is naturally more trustworthy of a vehicle by being a brand new vehicle, and despite being exponentially greater than the Jetta, is only $100 more a month due from me than I paid for the Jetta.
And o yeah, here it is (it's the red one, only mine is a silver color):
I also added a GPS Navigation System (which is the same system that is in the Toyota Avalon - Scion is a separate company from, but an affiliate of, Toyota - which is the luxury vehicle of Toyota), a light kit that makes the interior light up, a sporty shift knob (this is an automatic, unlike the 5-speed Jetta), and the Bluetooth capability (which I have to figure out soon since it's illegal to talk on your cell phone nowadays. . .) which will allow me to answer my phone through my car and hear my callers through the speakers of the car.
I'm so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
More news on it as I drive it around a bit more (I've only driven from the dealer to work and then home from work) and that should be after my trip to Pomona - I'm heading out there to see Heather tomorrow and coming home on Saturday morning before I work at noon.
So, yeah :)
What do you think!!!
Monday, September 03, 2007
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 - - -
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 - - -
Monday, July 09, 2007
The Grab-Bag: The Things I Love Version
So it's been almost two weeks since I posted (which seems to me as impossible as that time has really flown by) and I feel like that's how I begin so many of my posts. . .
O well - I guess that comes with a busy life. And that is what I'm in the midst of at the moment.
I suppose my idea for this post is just to list some things that mean a whole helluva lot to me and throw in the reasons for their importance as well as their role in the last two weeks of my existence.
So enjoy another good ol' GRAB-BAG in all of its non-chronological goodness. . .
- HEATHER
You knew that one was coming :) my wonderful lady friend of 3 1/2 years and I were able to spend a couple days together in a row last week (Monday night thru Thursday morning) and it was completely wonderful. When the two of us actually get to spend a special length of time together, it is truly fantastic. What I love is the people who say things like, "You guys must be used to that distance thing that when you are together, it is either only great because you are actually together or you get tired of each other quick and just want to go back to being at a distance." Well, no and no. Of course it is great to be together just cuz it is finally true - but it seems to always be that great. The feeling I have when I see Heather for the first time is the same one that I have five minutes before she leaves. And I can tell you this in plain English: There is NOTHING better than waking up to the one you love. NOTHING. The first thing I see on those special mornings is her beautiful face and, if I'm lucky, her closed eyes, behind which I can only assume are the sweetest dreams ever. I cannot wait until I get to have that feeling every morning. . . 3 1/2 years down, 2 to go. . . hopefully!
- VACATIONS (kinda)
So why did we get to spend some time together? Well Tuesday was the much-planned family trip to Disneyland. Caleb is turning 6 in a couple weeks (the 19th) and that's what he wanted to do - he had never been to the Happiest Place on Earth! Do you remember your first Disneyland experience? I don't, now that I think about it, but I am pretty sure that he will. I figure that because we got him on pretty much every big ride at the park. He rode Splash Mountain (Twice), the Matterhorn (One and a half times - more on that later), Thunder Mountain, and of course the kiddie rides (like Dumbo, Peter Pan, etc.). No Space Mountain for him (too quick - and dark - for the youngin) or Indiana Jones (too scary). But time will cure those things. He really enjoyed himself and I was happy to be there for his first experience there.
So how did he ride the Matterhorn 1 1/2 times? Well, it broke down with us on it! We were at the top of the mountain (not too long after the initial hill) and the ride came to a screeching halt! There had been prior issues with the ride, but we tried it anyway. Well either way, we had to have two Disneyland workers come up and get us and we hopped off the "toboggan" and got to go inside of the mountain to get back to the bottom! We walked down several flights of stairs and saw all sorts of wires, hooks, and the like. It was worth it :) I really thought it was cool and certainly an original experience.
The rest of the trip was a lot of fun - certainly better than the last time that I visited Mickey and friends (That would be Grad Night haha!). I got to ride the new and improved Space Mountain not once, but twice (it was just awesome!) and saw a fantastic fireworks display. Good times all around!
- TRANSFORMERS
It's incredibly fantastic. Enough said. Grade: A-
- BASKETBALL
The working out has been going well (I am starting to feel improvement!) and the off-season in the NBA has led to a lot of talk, and absolutely no action (relatively speaking). However, my SUNS did make one move that I am very excited about: we signed an aging veteran with a lot to prove. Usually, that would not be exciting at all, except for who this is and what we are paying for him. A former NCAA champion, co-Rookie of the Year, All-Star, and a fantastic playmaker named Grant Hill. We got him for the veteran's minimum and I'm excited about what he is going to bring to both our team and the locker room. Very cool.
- AARON SORKIN
I watched the series finale (only one season, though) of STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP, the NBC drama that I have plugged many times here in this space. Unfortunately, the show will not be returning for its sophomore season because NBC refused to pick it up. I don't know what both the hating critics (of which there were many) and the American viewers (of which there were not enough) wanted. I loved every episode of the show and I will miss it greatly next year. The chemistry between the actors (Especially Matthew Perry and Bradley Whitford) and the witty writing from Sorkin was enough to have me begging for more every week. I will be purchasing that one and only season whenever it hits the streets in DVD form and my new goal is to rent the seasons of THE WEST WING, the Sorkin-written drama about the inside track of the White House (basically the same type of show as STUDIO 60, only with the White House as a setting). His prior series to that was SPORTS NIGHT, another short-lived show (two brilliant seasons) and I am a huge fan of that one as well. I will be watching whatever he does next, and I will guarantee that. Just let it be soon - please Mr. Sorkin!
- COMMENTS
Please everybody. . . It's SO simple!!!
- GOOD FRIENDS
I was able to have dinner last weekend with my good buddy George when he was in town for the day. We ended up staying at BJ's (I'm certainly allowed to eat there!) for nearly FOUR HOURS just chatting about life. It was awesome. Him and I click, I guess. We were never THAT close in high school, but we started talking more when we shared a certain College Algebra class back in the Fall of 2005. While talking, I realized something (and of course, vocalized): I have very few actual friends. The ones that I have known for a long time (e.g. Cy, Justin, Tom) seem to be just reliable friends. No matter how long between conversations or hanging out times, we pick right up where we left off. The difference is that none of us are all that close. I know a little about their pasts (like before we became friends) and I know their respective families (hell, I call Mrs. Serrano "Mama"), but we aren't that "tell anything to". The only one that really holds that title is George. I also have sports friends (e.g. Romique, Rico, Leshin) that I either played sports with or continue to work out with that I can just talk about basketball or go to the park and stuff like that. I do this with George as well. The other thing about a lot of my friends is that they all have other outlets. Cy has his countless church and volunteer-type groups that he is a big part of. Justin is very often down below, either for his internship or to see his girlfriend. Manny is married. Romique has so many people he knows, it's ridiculous. I just know all these people - I don't really have a group, per se. Neither does George. Down in Murrietta, all he really does is work and go to school. Most of the guys he works with are younger as well. So we have that in common as well. We also have common ideas about religion, philosophy, and those types of things. Essentially, George has become my best friend and guess what - he lives at a great distance. Why does that happen?!?! I see Heather once a week (maybe). I will see George almost never (he actually is going to Georgia for nine months in September). Why do I do this to myself haha - - -
- BOWLING
Which I will be heading to here in just an hour - - - the perfect game is coming. . . I just don't know when!
- HOLIDAYS
For the Fourth of July, Heather and I went to her dad's house down in San Clemente and enjoyed a day on the over-crowded beach, followed by a relaxing afternoon watching the unnoticed BLACK SNAKE MOAN, and completed by a fantastic dinner (tri-tip, pork ribs, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, caesar salad with homemade dressing - Holy Crap it was fantabulous!) and the local fireworks show put on by the city of San Clemente. The entire day was a lot of fun (despite the sun burn!) and I look forward to the next time that I get to go down there - it's always good!
And with that, I'm gonna head off. Hope you enjoyed it - - -
Let me know what you think - - -
Have a nigh
O well - I guess that comes with a busy life. And that is what I'm in the midst of at the moment.
I suppose my idea for this post is just to list some things that mean a whole helluva lot to me and throw in the reasons for their importance as well as their role in the last two weeks of my existence.
So enjoy another good ol' GRAB-BAG in all of its non-chronological goodness. . .
- HEATHER
You knew that one was coming :) my wonderful lady friend of 3 1/2 years and I were able to spend a couple days together in a row last week (Monday night thru Thursday morning) and it was completely wonderful. When the two of us actually get to spend a special length of time together, it is truly fantastic. What I love is the people who say things like, "You guys must be used to that distance thing that when you are together, it is either only great because you are actually together or you get tired of each other quick and just want to go back to being at a distance." Well, no and no. Of course it is great to be together just cuz it is finally true - but it seems to always be that great. The feeling I have when I see Heather for the first time is the same one that I have five minutes before she leaves. And I can tell you this in plain English: There is NOTHING better than waking up to the one you love. NOTHING. The first thing I see on those special mornings is her beautiful face and, if I'm lucky, her closed eyes, behind which I can only assume are the sweetest dreams ever. I cannot wait until I get to have that feeling every morning. . . 3 1/2 years down, 2 to go. . . hopefully!
- VACATIONS (kinda)
So why did we get to spend some time together? Well Tuesday was the much-planned family trip to Disneyland. Caleb is turning 6 in a couple weeks (the 19th) and that's what he wanted to do - he had never been to the Happiest Place on Earth! Do you remember your first Disneyland experience? I don't, now that I think about it, but I am pretty sure that he will. I figure that because we got him on pretty much every big ride at the park. He rode Splash Mountain (Twice), the Matterhorn (One and a half times - more on that later), Thunder Mountain, and of course the kiddie rides (like Dumbo, Peter Pan, etc.). No Space Mountain for him (too quick - and dark - for the youngin) or Indiana Jones (too scary). But time will cure those things. He really enjoyed himself and I was happy to be there for his first experience there.
So how did he ride the Matterhorn 1 1/2 times? Well, it broke down with us on it! We were at the top of the mountain (not too long after the initial hill) and the ride came to a screeching halt! There had been prior issues with the ride, but we tried it anyway. Well either way, we had to have two Disneyland workers come up and get us and we hopped off the "toboggan" and got to go inside of the mountain to get back to the bottom! We walked down several flights of stairs and saw all sorts of wires, hooks, and the like. It was worth it :) I really thought it was cool and certainly an original experience.
The rest of the trip was a lot of fun - certainly better than the last time that I visited Mickey and friends (That would be Grad Night haha!). I got to ride the new and improved Space Mountain not once, but twice (it was just awesome!) and saw a fantastic fireworks display. Good times all around!
- TRANSFORMERS
It's incredibly fantastic. Enough said. Grade: A-
- BASKETBALL
The working out has been going well (I am starting to feel improvement!) and the off-season in the NBA has led to a lot of talk, and absolutely no action (relatively speaking). However, my SUNS did make one move that I am very excited about: we signed an aging veteran with a lot to prove. Usually, that would not be exciting at all, except for who this is and what we are paying for him. A former NCAA champion, co-Rookie of the Year, All-Star, and a fantastic playmaker named Grant Hill. We got him for the veteran's minimum and I'm excited about what he is going to bring to both our team and the locker room. Very cool.
- AARON SORKIN
I watched the series finale (only one season, though) of STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP, the NBC drama that I have plugged many times here in this space. Unfortunately, the show will not be returning for its sophomore season because NBC refused to pick it up. I don't know what both the hating critics (of which there were many) and the American viewers (of which there were not enough) wanted. I loved every episode of the show and I will miss it greatly next year. The chemistry between the actors (Especially Matthew Perry and Bradley Whitford) and the witty writing from Sorkin was enough to have me begging for more every week. I will be purchasing that one and only season whenever it hits the streets in DVD form and my new goal is to rent the seasons of THE WEST WING, the Sorkin-written drama about the inside track of the White House (basically the same type of show as STUDIO 60, only with the White House as a setting). His prior series to that was SPORTS NIGHT, another short-lived show (two brilliant seasons) and I am a huge fan of that one as well. I will be watching whatever he does next, and I will guarantee that. Just let it be soon - please Mr. Sorkin!
- COMMENTS
Please everybody. . . It's SO simple!!!
- GOOD FRIENDS
I was able to have dinner last weekend with my good buddy George when he was in town for the day. We ended up staying at BJ's (I'm certainly allowed to eat there!) for nearly FOUR HOURS just chatting about life. It was awesome. Him and I click, I guess. We were never THAT close in high school, but we started talking more when we shared a certain College Algebra class back in the Fall of 2005. While talking, I realized something (and of course, vocalized): I have very few actual friends. The ones that I have known for a long time (e.g. Cy, Justin, Tom) seem to be just reliable friends. No matter how long between conversations or hanging out times, we pick right up where we left off. The difference is that none of us are all that close. I know a little about their pasts (like before we became friends) and I know their respective families (hell, I call Mrs. Serrano "Mama"), but we aren't that "tell anything to". The only one that really holds that title is George. I also have sports friends (e.g. Romique, Rico, Leshin) that I either played sports with or continue to work out with that I can just talk about basketball or go to the park and stuff like that. I do this with George as well. The other thing about a lot of my friends is that they all have other outlets. Cy has his countless church and volunteer-type groups that he is a big part of. Justin is very often down below, either for his internship or to see his girlfriend. Manny is married. Romique has so many people he knows, it's ridiculous. I just know all these people - I don't really have a group, per se. Neither does George. Down in Murrietta, all he really does is work and go to school. Most of the guys he works with are younger as well. So we have that in common as well. We also have common ideas about religion, philosophy, and those types of things. Essentially, George has become my best friend and guess what - he lives at a great distance. Why does that happen?!?! I see Heather once a week (maybe). I will see George almost never (he actually is going to Georgia for nine months in September). Why do I do this to myself haha - - -
- BOWLING
Which I will be heading to here in just an hour - - - the perfect game is coming. . . I just don't know when!
- HOLIDAYS
For the Fourth of July, Heather and I went to her dad's house down in San Clemente and enjoyed a day on the over-crowded beach, followed by a relaxing afternoon watching the unnoticed BLACK SNAKE MOAN, and completed by a fantastic dinner (tri-tip, pork ribs, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, caesar salad with homemade dressing - Holy Crap it was fantabulous!) and the local fireworks show put on by the city of San Clemente. The entire day was a lot of fun (despite the sun burn!) and I look forward to the next time that I get to go down there - it's always good!
And with that, I'm gonna head off. Hope you enjoyed it - - -
Let me know what you think - - -
Have a nigh
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Rumors, Reminiscing,
Rewatchability, and Ridiculousness
Hello Hello Hello!!!
Wow a week goes by just like that (I'm not sure what "that" is, but the week went by like it)! It's crazy!
It is Wednesday night and I had a three hour nap this evening (from 5-8) so at the moment I am quite awake. So I'll get some thoughts off my chest, let you know how my weekend was (if I can even remember that far back), and also let you in on a few things.
So away we go. . .
First off, it would not be me without some sort of mention of all of the NBA trade rumors surrounding my beloved Phoenix Suns. With one of the deepest drafts in years being tomorrow, many teams are trying to position themselves to pick up a player that can help right away or be a part of a future plan. The other option is to make a blockbuster trade for a crafty veteran that can maybe put a team over the top. Well we have been rumored to do a little bit of both. . .
Apparently, the Suns worked out top-10 prospects Jeff Green, Joakim Noah, and Corey Brewer (the most perfect fit for our system!) even though they only have the 24th and 29th picks in the first round. I'm not a math whiz or anything but that makes no sense. However, the humdrum around the league is that we want to package some sort of collection of veterans (Kurt Thomas, most likely) and our two picks to someone in the top 10 (most likely Charlotte at 8).
However, the much bigger news was that The Big Ticket, Kevin Garnett, has requested to make a move to the warm weather city of Phoenix. As much as I love KG (and I always have!), I do not do not do not (hint: I DO NOT!) want to give up Amare in a potential trade. Why would we give up a 24-year-old future KG for a 31-year-old KG? People are saying that because our MVP is getting up there in age, that our window of opportunity to win is closing. Now, that might be true, but what about the 5-10 years after Nash retires? Amare is our future and he is who we will build our team around in the years A.N. (After Nash). The one trade rumor was us sending Amare to the Hawks who would send their Numbers 3 and 11 draft picks to Minnesota (who already own the number 7) who would send us KG (we would also send Kurt Thomas to Minny). This trade has apparently been thwarted, but not by us. . . Although we have apparently not even spoken to either of these teams, except to say, "Sure, we would like KG."
And that's the problem with all of this hustle and bustle. What is actually going to come to pass, and what is just plain crap that ESPN is feeding us to get us all excited? If I'm recently hired General Manager Steve Kerr, the only trade I make for KG is the one that sends the unhappy Shawn Marion, the old reliable Kurt Thomas, and those draft picks (maybe even our pick we get from Atlanta next year) to Minnesota (or a third team involved in the trade) for Mr. Garnett. If we can roll out a lineup of NASH, BELL, DIAW, GARNETT, and STOUDEMIRE with BARBOSA, JAMES JONES, and maybe COREY BREWER coming off the bench (if we make that Charlotte trade) then I think we are better off than last year. But that's just me. . . What do I know?
On to real life - - -
So my last week has been essentially made up of two things: Basketball and Work. I have begun working out again in the gym (not 24-Hour or anything like that) at my old stomping grounds, Desert Christian. My coach, Mr. Thomas, has graciously allowed me to utitilize the vacant basketball gym as my own personal house of basketball. Romique has been joining me, which is good, because he is better than I am (obviously) and playing against better players will only make me better. I have been spending almost two hours a day in the gym, taking shots, running laps, and working on triple-threat moves. It feels good, to be sure. I missed playing on a consistent basis, and now it is back in my life. I can't tell you how great it feels to actually feel myself improving and growing more confident. Two days ago, I hit 57 out of 100 three-pointers from the top of the key, my sweet spot. Granted, I was unguarded (Rome was not there that day), but that's still a great percentage. My moves are getting faster (I had certainly lost a step) and I'm trying to get back into some sort of shape. It is all in an effort to potentially try to walk on to the team at Cal State Northridge when I head there this Fall.
Here is the kicker: Say I somehow make the team. Even if I'm a bench warmer, how do I pass up the opportunity to play college basketball? Division I! How? I don't see myself saying no. . . So, how do I work? I guess I don't. So what of my promotion (less than two weeks from my interview)? I don't know. What of my living arrangement? There is no way that I drive down to CSUN every day for practice (plus my desired schedule is 4-10 on Monday and 2-10 on Tuesday so what if practice is at 5 pm every day. . .). It just sounds complicated and now I'm getting discouraged and nothing has even happened yet . . . Go figure
But it would be an absolute dream-come-true to play basketball at a higher level. Can you imagine playing in front of a packed house with thousands of cheering fans? I CAN! I have ever since I could throw a mini-basketball into my Phoenix Suns hamper! I'm just gonna take all this in stride. Whatever happens, happens. I'll make it work. Rome is actually more confident in me than I am at this point, but I'm getting there. I keep thinking "Hey, I'm a 5'8'' white guy with no true athletic abilities (it's all learned) and just a desire to be around a little orange ball and a 10-foot tall hoop."
But, again, who knows? . .
As I was at the park last week (Marie Kerr, to be exact) I sat and watched a young boy playing basketball with his dad. The kid was probably 8ish and they appeared to be playing 21, the ultimate 1-on-1 game. Essentially, it is just like playing 1-on-1 but after you make a basket you get up to 3 free throws. You make them all, you get the ball back. You miss one, the ball is live. First to 21 points wins. Simple, right? Well, my dad and I played hours and hours of this game back when I was that age and we still talk about some of the great clashes that we had back in the day (including my comeback to win after being down 19-2 :D ). I miss those games greatly actually. After I got to high school, we kinda stopped playing (both because my dad's knees often threatened to completely give out and both of our schedules were ridiculous). At this point, I don't know if we could still play against one another, if he even wanted. I am not cocky by any stretch, but I'm curious as to how that game would play out. . . I also wonder if Caleb will be able to enjoy similar memories. I think so. He will actually probably have double the memories because he will have the games against me as well - - -
Moving onto a couple things that I found interesting, ridiculous, or both - - -
- On tonight's episode of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, they ran a piece about two relatively new websites. One is called Conservapedia, an informational website exactly like the famous Wikipedia, except with a Conservative slant ("the conservative encyclopedia you can trust" - - is this anything like FoxNews? Fair AND Balanced, right?). Apparently they think that the world of average Joe is biased in ways that they don't like (I mean, really, why else would the site be created?). Consider the page for homosexuality - - - On Wikipedia, it is described as referring to "both sexual behavior and sexual attraction between people of the same gener or to a sexual orientation." True. Now on Conservapedia (besides the insanity of its existence, why that as a title!?!?) it is described as "an immoral sexual lifestyle between members of the same sex. It is more than simply a sexual act, it is going beyond the boundaries that God has setup for marriage; one man and one woman." Also true (mostly). Now whether or not you agree with homosexuality (I have delved into this issue before when Brokeback Mountain was released - PART ONE and PART TWO - but here I go again) will cause you to read this differently. My family will read this and nod in agreement. I know many of my friends will join in that response. I, on the other hand, have to shake my head. What is coming of things nowadays? Someone disagrees with a website's attempt at giving freedom of expression on all topics (literally - try to find something not covered by those Wiki Guys and Gals) and has to throw in religion. There is a religion section in the Wikipedia page on homosexuality where it discusses the viewpoints of several religions. That's not enough? These Republicans (of which I am not, but my entire family is - I'm a registered Independent) had to go 700 CLUB (ummm. . . .yeah. . .) on us all and throw out their two cents. . .
However. . .
I don't necessarily mind that site when compared to QUBETV, a “conservative version of YouTube." This website takes videos from YOUTUBE (a lot of the videos are actually links to the same video on YT) and also posts videos that are either direct slams of the Democratic party or praises of the Republican party and its hosts (such as the always cordial Ann Coulter. . .). This baffles me. Why on earth is this necessary? And more importantly (to use an old adage) why the hell cant we all just get along?!?! The 2008 Presidential Election (As well as the primaries leading up to the election) is just going to be one giant shit-flinging fest. Whoever can have the most shit flung on them without keeling over is the victor. That's it. (And a quick note on The Daily Show: I always hear conservative pundits claiming its bias towards the liberal Left. However, they mock the Demorcrats just as much when ridiculous things are said - which is often - or when incompetency rampages on - more often than not). And yes, most of the national media seems to lean towards a liberal bias - which apparently justifies FoxNews' ridculously far Right bias - but could that possibly be because the United States is leaning a little left after so many feel that this administration has failed them? I seriously cannot understand how divided this country is. . . Well I do, but I just don't know why it got that way.
The interesting thing is this: I believe that the only people who read this are members of my family and friends who are strong Republicans and will disagree mightily with my above dissertation. . . O how I yearn for a large audience. . .
On a lighter note (well, less political at least), I rewatched the first LORD OF THE RINGS movies with Aimee this week. She has never seen them and recently read The Hobbit, the prequel to the trilogy, and became more interested. So we watched the first film and she really seemed to enjoy it. . . And I think I enjoyed it more this time too. We watched it in two parts, stopping it at the halfway mark the first night. It works as two 90 minute films and the rewatchability rate on this film is quite high. The RINGS films are still not THE trilogy (to steal a line from Randal from CLERKS 2 "There is only one RETURN, and that is of the JEDI!") but they are certainly interesting films. True, they are just nine hours about walking (Randal again: "Even the trees in those movies walked!") but they work on that level.
I would continue on about some recent customer troubles I've had at the FL (funny stories!), some thoughts on the soon-to-be-released IPHONE (no, I'm not getting out a loan for it), and also some Entertainment recommendations, but I've rambled enough for the night.
I have off tomorrow as well (my days off are usually back-to-back) so I'll try to post those odds and ends then. . .
Until then, sleep well and please please please please please please COMMENT! I'm talking more to friends than family (cuz family is all that comments - - ). . .
I would appreciate it :)
Thanks - - - And good night.
Wow a week goes by just like that (I'm not sure what "that" is, but the week went by like it)! It's crazy!
It is Wednesday night and I had a three hour nap this evening (from 5-8) so at the moment I am quite awake. So I'll get some thoughts off my chest, let you know how my weekend was (if I can even remember that far back), and also let you in on a few things.
So away we go. . .
First off, it would not be me without some sort of mention of all of the NBA trade rumors surrounding my beloved Phoenix Suns. With one of the deepest drafts in years being tomorrow, many teams are trying to position themselves to pick up a player that can help right away or be a part of a future plan. The other option is to make a blockbuster trade for a crafty veteran that can maybe put a team over the top. Well we have been rumored to do a little bit of both. . .
Apparently, the Suns worked out top-10 prospects Jeff Green, Joakim Noah, and Corey Brewer (the most perfect fit for our system!) even though they only have the 24th and 29th picks in the first round. I'm not a math whiz or anything but that makes no sense. However, the humdrum around the league is that we want to package some sort of collection of veterans (Kurt Thomas, most likely) and our two picks to someone in the top 10 (most likely Charlotte at 8).
However, the much bigger news was that The Big Ticket, Kevin Garnett, has requested to make a move to the warm weather city of Phoenix. As much as I love KG (and I always have!), I do not do not do not (hint: I DO NOT!) want to give up Amare in a potential trade. Why would we give up a 24-year-old future KG for a 31-year-old KG? People are saying that because our MVP is getting up there in age, that our window of opportunity to win is closing. Now, that might be true, but what about the 5-10 years after Nash retires? Amare is our future and he is who we will build our team around in the years A.N. (After Nash). The one trade rumor was us sending Amare to the Hawks who would send their Numbers 3 and 11 draft picks to Minnesota (who already own the number 7) who would send us KG (we would also send Kurt Thomas to Minny). This trade has apparently been thwarted, but not by us. . . Although we have apparently not even spoken to either of these teams, except to say, "Sure, we would like KG."
And that's the problem with all of this hustle and bustle. What is actually going to come to pass, and what is just plain crap that ESPN is feeding us to get us all excited? If I'm recently hired General Manager Steve Kerr, the only trade I make for KG is the one that sends the unhappy Shawn Marion, the old reliable Kurt Thomas, and those draft picks (maybe even our pick we get from Atlanta next year) to Minnesota (or a third team involved in the trade) for Mr. Garnett. If we can roll out a lineup of NASH, BELL, DIAW, GARNETT, and STOUDEMIRE with BARBOSA, JAMES JONES, and maybe COREY BREWER coming off the bench (if we make that Charlotte trade) then I think we are better off than last year. But that's just me. . . What do I know?
On to real life - - -
So my last week has been essentially made up of two things: Basketball and Work. I have begun working out again in the gym (not 24-Hour or anything like that) at my old stomping grounds, Desert Christian. My coach, Mr. Thomas, has graciously allowed me to utitilize the vacant basketball gym as my own personal house of basketball. Romique has been joining me, which is good, because he is better than I am (obviously) and playing against better players will only make me better. I have been spending almost two hours a day in the gym, taking shots, running laps, and working on triple-threat moves. It feels good, to be sure. I missed playing on a consistent basis, and now it is back in my life. I can't tell you how great it feels to actually feel myself improving and growing more confident. Two days ago, I hit 57 out of 100 three-pointers from the top of the key, my sweet spot. Granted, I was unguarded (Rome was not there that day), but that's still a great percentage. My moves are getting faster (I had certainly lost a step) and I'm trying to get back into some sort of shape. It is all in an effort to potentially try to walk on to the team at Cal State Northridge when I head there this Fall.
Here is the kicker: Say I somehow make the team. Even if I'm a bench warmer, how do I pass up the opportunity to play college basketball? Division I! How? I don't see myself saying no. . . So, how do I work? I guess I don't. So what of my promotion (less than two weeks from my interview)? I don't know. What of my living arrangement? There is no way that I drive down to CSUN every day for practice (plus my desired schedule is 4-10 on Monday and 2-10 on Tuesday so what if practice is at 5 pm every day. . .). It just sounds complicated and now I'm getting discouraged and nothing has even happened yet . . . Go figure
But it would be an absolute dream-come-true to play basketball at a higher level. Can you imagine playing in front of a packed house with thousands of cheering fans? I CAN! I have ever since I could throw a mini-basketball into my Phoenix Suns hamper! I'm just gonna take all this in stride. Whatever happens, happens. I'll make it work. Rome is actually more confident in me than I am at this point, but I'm getting there. I keep thinking "Hey, I'm a 5'8'' white guy with no true athletic abilities (it's all learned) and just a desire to be around a little orange ball and a 10-foot tall hoop."
But, again, who knows? . .
As I was at the park last week (Marie Kerr, to be exact) I sat and watched a young boy playing basketball with his dad. The kid was probably 8ish and they appeared to be playing 21, the ultimate 1-on-1 game. Essentially, it is just like playing 1-on-1 but after you make a basket you get up to 3 free throws. You make them all, you get the ball back. You miss one, the ball is live. First to 21 points wins. Simple, right? Well, my dad and I played hours and hours of this game back when I was that age and we still talk about some of the great clashes that we had back in the day (including my comeback to win after being down 19-2 :D ). I miss those games greatly actually. After I got to high school, we kinda stopped playing (both because my dad's knees often threatened to completely give out and both of our schedules were ridiculous). At this point, I don't know if we could still play against one another, if he even wanted. I am not cocky by any stretch, but I'm curious as to how that game would play out. . . I also wonder if Caleb will be able to enjoy similar memories. I think so. He will actually probably have double the memories because he will have the games against me as well - - -
Moving onto a couple things that I found interesting, ridiculous, or both - - -
- On tonight's episode of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, they ran a piece about two relatively new websites. One is called Conservapedia, an informational website exactly like the famous Wikipedia, except with a Conservative slant ("the conservative encyclopedia you can trust" - - is this anything like FoxNews? Fair AND Balanced, right?). Apparently they think that the world of average Joe is biased in ways that they don't like (I mean, really, why else would the site be created?). Consider the page for homosexuality - - - On Wikipedia, it is described as referring to "both sexual behavior and sexual attraction between people of the same gener or to a sexual orientation." True. Now on Conservapedia (besides the insanity of its existence, why that as a title!?!?) it is described as "an immoral sexual lifestyle between members of the same sex. It is more than simply a sexual act, it is going beyond the boundaries that God has setup for marriage; one man and one woman." Also true (mostly). Now whether or not you agree with homosexuality (I have delved into this issue before when Brokeback Mountain was released - PART ONE and PART TWO - but here I go again) will cause you to read this differently. My family will read this and nod in agreement. I know many of my friends will join in that response. I, on the other hand, have to shake my head. What is coming of things nowadays? Someone disagrees with a website's attempt at giving freedom of expression on all topics (literally - try to find something not covered by those Wiki Guys and Gals) and has to throw in religion. There is a religion section in the Wikipedia page on homosexuality where it discusses the viewpoints of several religions. That's not enough? These Republicans (of which I am not, but my entire family is - I'm a registered Independent) had to go 700 CLUB (ummm. . . .yeah. . .) on us all and throw out their two cents. . .
However. . .
I don't necessarily mind that site when compared to QUBETV, a “conservative version of YouTube." This website takes videos from YOUTUBE (a lot of the videos are actually links to the same video on YT) and also posts videos that are either direct slams of the Democratic party or praises of the Republican party and its hosts (such as the always cordial Ann Coulter. . .). This baffles me. Why on earth is this necessary? And more importantly (to use an old adage) why the hell cant we all just get along?!?! The 2008 Presidential Election (As well as the primaries leading up to the election) is just going to be one giant shit-flinging fest. Whoever can have the most shit flung on them without keeling over is the victor. That's it. (And a quick note on The Daily Show: I always hear conservative pundits claiming its bias towards the liberal Left. However, they mock the Demorcrats just as much when ridiculous things are said - which is often - or when incompetency rampages on - more often than not). And yes, most of the national media seems to lean towards a liberal bias - which apparently justifies FoxNews' ridculously far Right bias - but could that possibly be because the United States is leaning a little left after so many feel that this administration has failed them? I seriously cannot understand how divided this country is. . . Well I do, but I just don't know why it got that way.
The interesting thing is this: I believe that the only people who read this are members of my family and friends who are strong Republicans and will disagree mightily with my above dissertation. . . O how I yearn for a large audience. . .
On a lighter note (well, less political at least), I rewatched the first LORD OF THE RINGS movies with Aimee this week. She has never seen them and recently read The Hobbit, the prequel to the trilogy, and became more interested. So we watched the first film and she really seemed to enjoy it. . . And I think I enjoyed it more this time too. We watched it in two parts, stopping it at the halfway mark the first night. It works as two 90 minute films and the rewatchability rate on this film is quite high. The RINGS films are still not THE trilogy (to steal a line from Randal from CLERKS 2 "There is only one RETURN, and that is of the JEDI!") but they are certainly interesting films. True, they are just nine hours about walking (Randal again: "Even the trees in those movies walked!") but they work on that level.
I would continue on about some recent customer troubles I've had at the FL (funny stories!), some thoughts on the soon-to-be-released IPHONE (no, I'm not getting out a loan for it), and also some Entertainment recommendations, but I've rambled enough for the night.
I have off tomorrow as well (my days off are usually back-to-back) so I'll try to post those odds and ends then. . .
Until then, sleep well and please please please please please please COMMENT! I'm talking more to friends than family (cuz family is all that comments - - ). . .
I would appreciate it :)
Thanks - - - And good night.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
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!!!
(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!!!
Monday, April 30, 2007
The Weekend Grab-Bag:
The "On the Job" Version
Well it's Monday night/Tuesday morning and I am well awake. It's 0030. Sleep is not in my near future. I figured since that was true, I would at least blog about my weekend and fill you in on some thoughts I've been having recently.
And away we go. . .
- First, let me assess the NBA playoffs. If you don't like the NBA (or basketball - which, if that's the case, shame on you. . .) then skip to the next dash/section. . . When I last blogged, my SUNS were at halftime of an eventual loss. They picked up the pieces and demolished the Lakers in Game 4 (behind a 27 point/21 rebound game from Amare and a 17 point/23 assist game from Nash). I firmly believe that we take care of business on Wednesday at home and end the Lakers' season after five games. We are gonna play the Spurs, who have squeaked by the Nuggets three times to take a 3-1 lead heading back to San Antonio. It's gonna be a tough series but if we win, I believe that the Finals will be ours to lose. The biggest reason is that Dallas, the 67-15 team that dominated the regular season, is on the verge of elimination thanks to a tremendous effort from the upstart Golden State Warriors. I think the Warriors take care of business back home in Game 6 after a Dallas blowout in Game 5. The Warriors will beat the Houston Rockets in the second round after they beat the Jazz in a low-scoring Game 7 to win their first round battle. We will take down the Cinderella Warriors (oxymoronic, no?) in six high-scoring battles (one of which will go into double overtime and result in at least 300 total points) and represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals! We will play the Detroit Pistons who will beat the Baby Bulls in five games. Yes, the Bulls swept the defending champ Heat. The Heat are also a terrible team with a broken down superstar. The Nets might just sweep the overrated Cavs (who swept an undermanned Wizards by winning no game by double digits) after they get rid of the Raptors in six games. The Pistons will then coast by the Nets in no more than six games. They are the team to beat out East. Once we meet them in the Finals, we will be more than ready to bring back the first-ever championship trophy to Phoenix. I think we beat the Pistons in six games with the speedy Leandro Barbosa winning the Finals MVP. . . Now we'll just have to wait and watch that happen. But you heard it here first!
- I've been working a lot! Training was in full swing over at BJ's this past weekend as we hosted several invitation-only lunches and dinners. The guests were given free meals (not free alcohol, though!) in order to deal with our training. We did a good job (I thought) and we are ready to open on Wednesday of this week. However, when I was working on Sunday night (a night which I really did not feel like working) I started to feel something. This thing I was feeling was not good. I was slowly hating my job. A lot of it had to do with the power-tripping trainers who make it a habit to make you feel about an inch tall with their strict "by the book" ways. The things that they have us do are so particular that it is driving me crazy. It's the "small things" that are very silly, but are a way of doing things at BJ's and thus must be done. It's policy. Plus, I have yet to feel in my "zone" that I would get in while cleaning tables at Johnny Carino's. A couple things: 1) This just might not be the restaurant for me - just because I'm good at bussing (and I am, actually) does not mean that I will flourish in every restaurant. 2) I am not happy.
And that is the problem. I'm not happy. I have three jobs (Finish Line, BJ's, student) and I despise all of them. Sure, there are parts of each that I enjoy, but on the whole, I cannot stand doing anything in relation to these things. This got me thinking. What makes me happy? . .
- So here is a list of all of my jobs (you will see that I actually have more than three) and my evaluation of how I am doing with all of them:
FINISH LINE: I have been working there since December and for the last three months or so I have been the best salesperson out of the Sales Associates. Our numbers are tracked each week and the two biggest numbers are the accessories percentage (these are hats, laces, socks, cleaners) and the multiples percentage (purchases that contain more than one item). The weekly goal is usually 8.5% for accessories and 50% for multiples. I usually carry at least 10% in accessories adn my multiples are almost always over 60%. Today, for instance, I left with a 13% and 80%. It was a great day! However, I can't stand the monotony of selling shoes. I have decided that at least 75% of the people who enter our store either a) know exactly what they want already or b) want nothing. It's hard to be a great salesperson when people are either not wanting more items (regardless of the fact that our bags of socks are buy one get one free!) or can't speak English and don't really want any zapatos (or only want them if they cost next to nothing). The sooner I get out of this job the better - the only thing I will miss is the discount.
BJ's: It's hard to say how this job is going to be. Once I start making the money (I hope I hope I hope!!!) I might like it more and realize why I got back in the restaurant business. But last night as I trudged around wanting to take my apron off and walk outside for good, I realized what the problem was: I don't want to clean tables! Sure, I left JC because of the scheduling and Charlie and all that jazz, but it really boiled down to the fact that I did not want to clean another table. And now, that's all I'm doing. Again. How did this happen!?! Hopefully this one gets better, but I am just not feeling this restaurant. It's just not for me. . .
STUDENT: The hardest thing about the last two semesters has been Heather's involvement at her school, Cal Poly Pomona. She has been taking classes for her major: Animal Handling, Animal Care, etc. I have been taking General freakin Education! Yes, I have been on the paper for two semesters. But I don't really want to write for a paper (not a very lucrative job, reporting. . .). It's hard to get excited for school twice a week when one of those days includes a three hour tribute to William Shakespeare and his overrated comedies and sonnets. I am really hoping that school is going to get better when I get to CSUN and I join the radio station (if I can) or follow the basketball team around as an announcer or beat writer (if it's doable) or something of that sort. That's what I want to do. But I can't. Not yet.
BOYFRIEND: The thing I am best at. I think. Heather and I have been together for over three years and I feel like I do a good job at being a good partner. I do everything in my power to please Heather and make her feel comfortable with me. We mesh extremely well (shockingly so) and there is no reason to doubt us as being ready for the future. However. . . We have been having a lot of discussions about marriage and when that is possible. It seems that we have two options: 1) The summer of 2009 after we both graduate from our 4-year universities; 2) after 2013 when she (hopefully) graduates from Veterinarian School. Those are two very different years. 2009 is in two years. True, we are both 20 now (or I will be in a few days) and that is rather young to be thinking about this. However, in 2009, we will be 22 and that is not a terrible age to be married. . . We want to do it. We know it will be hard the first four years since she will be in Vet School and I will be working my initial job out of college (whatever that is). But we would be together. That is what we both want and shouldn't that be enough? I know that we won't get full support for that idea, but we feel like there are no other desireable options (e.g. waiting for 2013, a full six years from now - that would mean we would date for at least 9 years before getting married!). So we will see. . . But maybe save a date in June/July of 2009. You never know. . . I'll keep you in the know (wink, wink)
BROTHER: I think I'm a pretty good older brother, but I'm not the best. Aimee (who turns 15 in - gasp - three days) and I are best friends at this point and I cant be happier about that. No one makes me laugh harder than her and we share a lot of the same viewpoints and a sense of humor. I'm not worried about her and I. I worry about Caleb. The two of us bicker more than anything else (it's a little difficult for a 20-year-old and an almost 6-year-old to be bestest buddies - there's a reason you hang out with people your age!). I love the kid and would do anything for him - sure. He admires me and models a lot of his actions after me - shit. But the age difference is such that it really hurts our relationship right now. I see us becoming closer when he is in his mid teens and I am almost 30. But until then, I guess I'll have to enjoy those few moments when we enjoy each other's company and make each other belly laugh.
SON: I hear I am pretty good at this one. Who knows? It's funny knowing that two of my four readers are my parents. . . and the other two are my grandparents! (That's a joke of course, but I don't really know who else reads this blog - - - commenting is pretty easy people. . .) I have good relationships with my parents and I can learn a lot from each of them. But I also get annoyed like anyone else would when you live under the same roof as someone for year after year. It is bound to happen. I respect their authority and I listen to what they have to say. I do as I'm told (most of the time. . . haha!) and I work hard to make sure they don't regret letting me stay home. I can't do much more than that. . .
CHRISTIAN: I used to characterize myself as this. Now? I'm not so sure. . . (and this is where the trouble comes in). . . Do I believe the things that I have been taught since toddler-age? Yeah. I believe that a higher being must have created all of the Earth's greatness (not to mention the millions of galaxies outside of our Earth). I believe that a guy named Jesus was born and did his thing while he was here before dying by way of Roman crucifixion. I also believe that one thing he taught was freedom and choice. I think that people should not judge others for having other beliefs. Critical Christians are probably the worst people on the planet. These are the people that make me reconsider the whole faith if that is what the religion turns you into. I know it's not - - but the evidence is glaring. Again, as with BJ's, it is the particulars that get me. People who swear are not necessarily bad people. They may be less educated (I have always seen profanity use as a lack of accessibility to better diction - even in my own case) but are certainly not worse because of their word choice. Someone should not be cast out because of their mouth. Or their lifestyle. I have met some legitimately fantastic people outside of my little Christian bubble that I grew up in. And by a certain book, these people are going to spend forever in a warm vacation spot (and no, I don't mean the Caribbean). Some of these people are the sweetest, most talented, and perfectly wonderful people that I have ever met (Don Bachardy, the world-renowned painter, comes to mind right away).
I was thinking about something today: Maybe the reason I am not happy is that I have abandoned the faith that I knew so well back in high school. I avoid church Sunday (I don't feel like I belong) and I don't pray unless I need some help (or if the SUNS are in a tight game. . .). The good and bad things happen the same as they would anyway because I am still a good person. I do good things because I am a pretty good guy - and I reap benefits because of it. It's like karma (thanks Earl. . .) but I think that's a silly word. It's just give and take. You water the garden, something is gonna grow. I know my whole family would probably be upset at me (I guess we'll see - - this has all now been published) but I can't deny the place that I'm in right now. I've said it before (but I don't think I have here): In this time, for my generation, it is extremely difficult to be so self-centered (which we have to be to get anywhere in this world) and so God-centered at the same time. It's not possible. And right now, I've chosen myself. For this time period, I am focused on me and the people around me - my loved ones. I want life - this time we have right now - to be everything that God wants it to be for all of us. When I finally ask for his help - he'll be there. I know that (I've been taught it all my life). But for now, I'm me-focused and that's all that I'm strong enough to do. . . Sorry.
- If you got through all of that, then you are incredible. Let me know what you think. Yes, that means you grandparents, parents, friends, everyone - if I'm wrong, then tell me! I just opened my heart wide open and let you into my deepest thoughts/beliefs. The least you can do is give me your two cents - - and remember, it is now 0200. I may not be completely fluent, but you get the gist of what I am saying - I'll add an addendum in the next day or two after I get some feedback - so please feed me back :D
- A quick movie recommendation: DISTURBIA. It was a very skillfully made thriller that was mostly buildup (but I liked the buildup dangit!) but still a quality film. Check it out! (Grade: B)
Well I'm gonna go to bed - maybe. I don't know if I should just stay up tonight.
Remember to comment - it's really VERY simple - and I'll holler at you in a couple days!
Goodnight,
And away we go. . .
- First, let me assess the NBA playoffs. If you don't like the NBA (or basketball - which, if that's the case, shame on you. . .) then skip to the next dash/section. . . When I last blogged, my SUNS were at halftime of an eventual loss. They picked up the pieces and demolished the Lakers in Game 4 (behind a 27 point/21 rebound game from Amare and a 17 point/23 assist game from Nash). I firmly believe that we take care of business on Wednesday at home and end the Lakers' season after five games. We are gonna play the Spurs, who have squeaked by the Nuggets three times to take a 3-1 lead heading back to San Antonio. It's gonna be a tough series but if we win, I believe that the Finals will be ours to lose. The biggest reason is that Dallas, the 67-15 team that dominated the regular season, is on the verge of elimination thanks to a tremendous effort from the upstart Golden State Warriors. I think the Warriors take care of business back home in Game 6 after a Dallas blowout in Game 5. The Warriors will beat the Houston Rockets in the second round after they beat the Jazz in a low-scoring Game 7 to win their first round battle. We will take down the Cinderella Warriors (oxymoronic, no?) in six high-scoring battles (one of which will go into double overtime and result in at least 300 total points) and represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals! We will play the Detroit Pistons who will beat the Baby Bulls in five games. Yes, the Bulls swept the defending champ Heat. The Heat are also a terrible team with a broken down superstar. The Nets might just sweep the overrated Cavs (who swept an undermanned Wizards by winning no game by double digits) after they get rid of the Raptors in six games. The Pistons will then coast by the Nets in no more than six games. They are the team to beat out East. Once we meet them in the Finals, we will be more than ready to bring back the first-ever championship trophy to Phoenix. I think we beat the Pistons in six games with the speedy Leandro Barbosa winning the Finals MVP. . . Now we'll just have to wait and watch that happen. But you heard it here first!
- I've been working a lot! Training was in full swing over at BJ's this past weekend as we hosted several invitation-only lunches and dinners. The guests were given free meals (not free alcohol, though!) in order to deal with our training. We did a good job (I thought) and we are ready to open on Wednesday of this week. However, when I was working on Sunday night (a night which I really did not feel like working) I started to feel something. This thing I was feeling was not good. I was slowly hating my job. A lot of it had to do with the power-tripping trainers who make it a habit to make you feel about an inch tall with their strict "by the book" ways. The things that they have us do are so particular that it is driving me crazy. It's the "small things" that are very silly, but are a way of doing things at BJ's and thus must be done. It's policy. Plus, I have yet to feel in my "zone" that I would get in while cleaning tables at Johnny Carino's. A couple things: 1) This just might not be the restaurant for me - just because I'm good at bussing (and I am, actually) does not mean that I will flourish in every restaurant. 2) I am not happy.
And that is the problem. I'm not happy. I have three jobs (Finish Line, BJ's, student) and I despise all of them. Sure, there are parts of each that I enjoy, but on the whole, I cannot stand doing anything in relation to these things. This got me thinking. What makes me happy? . .
- So here is a list of all of my jobs (you will see that I actually have more than three) and my evaluation of how I am doing with all of them:
FINISH LINE: I have been working there since December and for the last three months or so I have been the best salesperson out of the Sales Associates. Our numbers are tracked each week and the two biggest numbers are the accessories percentage (these are hats, laces, socks, cleaners) and the multiples percentage (purchases that contain more than one item). The weekly goal is usually 8.5% for accessories and 50% for multiples. I usually carry at least 10% in accessories adn my multiples are almost always over 60%. Today, for instance, I left with a 13% and 80%. It was a great day! However, I can't stand the monotony of selling shoes. I have decided that at least 75% of the people who enter our store either a) know exactly what they want already or b) want nothing. It's hard to be a great salesperson when people are either not wanting more items (regardless of the fact that our bags of socks are buy one get one free!) or can't speak English and don't really want any zapatos (or only want them if they cost next to nothing). The sooner I get out of this job the better - the only thing I will miss is the discount.
BJ's: It's hard to say how this job is going to be. Once I start making the money (I hope I hope I hope!!!) I might like it more and realize why I got back in the restaurant business. But last night as I trudged around wanting to take my apron off and walk outside for good, I realized what the problem was: I don't want to clean tables! Sure, I left JC because of the scheduling and Charlie and all that jazz, but it really boiled down to the fact that I did not want to clean another table. And now, that's all I'm doing. Again. How did this happen!?! Hopefully this one gets better, but I am just not feeling this restaurant. It's just not for me. . .
STUDENT: The hardest thing about the last two semesters has been Heather's involvement at her school, Cal Poly Pomona. She has been taking classes for her major: Animal Handling, Animal Care, etc. I have been taking General freakin Education! Yes, I have been on the paper for two semesters. But I don't really want to write for a paper (not a very lucrative job, reporting. . .). It's hard to get excited for school twice a week when one of those days includes a three hour tribute to William Shakespeare and his overrated comedies and sonnets. I am really hoping that school is going to get better when I get to CSUN and I join the radio station (if I can) or follow the basketball team around as an announcer or beat writer (if it's doable) or something of that sort. That's what I want to do. But I can't. Not yet.
BOYFRIEND: The thing I am best at. I think. Heather and I have been together for over three years and I feel like I do a good job at being a good partner. I do everything in my power to please Heather and make her feel comfortable with me. We mesh extremely well (shockingly so) and there is no reason to doubt us as being ready for the future. However. . . We have been having a lot of discussions about marriage and when that is possible. It seems that we have two options: 1) The summer of 2009 after we both graduate from our 4-year universities; 2) after 2013 when she (hopefully) graduates from Veterinarian School. Those are two very different years. 2009 is in two years. True, we are both 20 now (or I will be in a few days) and that is rather young to be thinking about this. However, in 2009, we will be 22 and that is not a terrible age to be married. . . We want to do it. We know it will be hard the first four years since she will be in Vet School and I will be working my initial job out of college (whatever that is). But we would be together. That is what we both want and shouldn't that be enough? I know that we won't get full support for that idea, but we feel like there are no other desireable options (e.g. waiting for 2013, a full six years from now - that would mean we would date for at least 9 years before getting married!). So we will see. . . But maybe save a date in June/July of 2009. You never know. . . I'll keep you in the know (wink, wink)
BROTHER: I think I'm a pretty good older brother, but I'm not the best. Aimee (who turns 15 in - gasp - three days) and I are best friends at this point and I cant be happier about that. No one makes me laugh harder than her and we share a lot of the same viewpoints and a sense of humor. I'm not worried about her and I. I worry about Caleb. The two of us bicker more than anything else (it's a little difficult for a 20-year-old and an almost 6-year-old to be bestest buddies - there's a reason you hang out with people your age!). I love the kid and would do anything for him - sure. He admires me and models a lot of his actions after me - shit. But the age difference is such that it really hurts our relationship right now. I see us becoming closer when he is in his mid teens and I am almost 30. But until then, I guess I'll have to enjoy those few moments when we enjoy each other's company and make each other belly laugh.
SON: I hear I am pretty good at this one. Who knows? It's funny knowing that two of my four readers are my parents. . . and the other two are my grandparents! (That's a joke of course, but I don't really know who else reads this blog - - - commenting is pretty easy people. . .) I have good relationships with my parents and I can learn a lot from each of them. But I also get annoyed like anyone else would when you live under the same roof as someone for year after year. It is bound to happen. I respect their authority and I listen to what they have to say. I do as I'm told (most of the time. . . haha!) and I work hard to make sure they don't regret letting me stay home. I can't do much more than that. . .
CHRISTIAN: I used to characterize myself as this. Now? I'm not so sure. . . (and this is where the trouble comes in). . . Do I believe the things that I have been taught since toddler-age? Yeah. I believe that a higher being must have created all of the Earth's greatness (not to mention the millions of galaxies outside of our Earth). I believe that a guy named Jesus was born and did his thing while he was here before dying by way of Roman crucifixion. I also believe that one thing he taught was freedom and choice. I think that people should not judge others for having other beliefs. Critical Christians are probably the worst people on the planet. These are the people that make me reconsider the whole faith if that is what the religion turns you into. I know it's not - - but the evidence is glaring. Again, as with BJ's, it is the particulars that get me. People who swear are not necessarily bad people. They may be less educated (I have always seen profanity use as a lack of accessibility to better diction - even in my own case) but are certainly not worse because of their word choice. Someone should not be cast out because of their mouth. Or their lifestyle. I have met some legitimately fantastic people outside of my little Christian bubble that I grew up in. And by a certain book, these people are going to spend forever in a warm vacation spot (and no, I don't mean the Caribbean). Some of these people are the sweetest, most talented, and perfectly wonderful people that I have ever met (Don Bachardy, the world-renowned painter, comes to mind right away).
I was thinking about something today: Maybe the reason I am not happy is that I have abandoned the faith that I knew so well back in high school. I avoid church Sunday (I don't feel like I belong) and I don't pray unless I need some help (or if the SUNS are in a tight game. . .). The good and bad things happen the same as they would anyway because I am still a good person. I do good things because I am a pretty good guy - and I reap benefits because of it. It's like karma (thanks Earl. . .) but I think that's a silly word. It's just give and take. You water the garden, something is gonna grow. I know my whole family would probably be upset at me (I guess we'll see - - this has all now been published) but I can't deny the place that I'm in right now. I've said it before (but I don't think I have here): In this time, for my generation, it is extremely difficult to be so self-centered (which we have to be to get anywhere in this world) and so God-centered at the same time. It's not possible. And right now, I've chosen myself. For this time period, I am focused on me and the people around me - my loved ones. I want life - this time we have right now - to be everything that God wants it to be for all of us. When I finally ask for his help - he'll be there. I know that (I've been taught it all my life). But for now, I'm me-focused and that's all that I'm strong enough to do. . . Sorry.
- If you got through all of that, then you are incredible. Let me know what you think. Yes, that means you grandparents, parents, friends, everyone - if I'm wrong, then tell me! I just opened my heart wide open and let you into my deepest thoughts/beliefs. The least you can do is give me your two cents - - and remember, it is now 0200. I may not be completely fluent, but you get the gist of what I am saying - I'll add an addendum in the next day or two after I get some feedback - so please feed me back :D
- A quick movie recommendation: DISTURBIA. It was a very skillfully made thriller that was mostly buildup (but I liked the buildup dangit!) but still a quality film. Check it out! (Grade: B)
Well I'm gonna go to bed - maybe. I don't know if I should just stay up tonight.
Remember to comment - it's really VERY simple - and I'll holler at you in a couple days!
Goodnight,
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Hitting a Wall
Its halftime right now of Game 3 of the SUNS/LAKERS series (which we are winning two games to none right now) and my team's bipolar nature is pissing me the hell off! We started out up 11-0 and held a lead as big as 31-14. It's now 51-48 at halftime and they have all the momentum. . .
Sometime, I just can't stand my team. . .
Where did this wall come from that we have so violently hit? It's like we forgot how to play basketball. . . I can relate, though. My schedule is hitting me hard and that wall has now been installed directly in front of me.
I do apologize for the lack of posting recently. I have been really busy (of course - it's me, right?) and that has led to a lack of a desire to blog. I have had a few opportunities, but I just haven't wanted to due to a large amount of apathy present in yours truly. So, sorry.
Things are good, but busy, like I mentioned. Training has been going strong over at BJ's and the FL is as good as always. School is getting down to the nitty gritty (five weeks left!). I have so many papers/assignments/tests over the next five weeks that I am almost guaranteeing (spelling?) carpal tunnel for my wrists (especially with all the trays I'll be carrying to the dishwashing room. . .).
Something I wish was not true was the lack of movie-going experiences I've had. The last film I saw was GRINDHOUSE back on the 9th and I have yet to see some movies that look really interesting to me (DISTURBIA, FRACTURE, and HOT FUZZ!). Plus, SPIDER-MAN 3 comes out next week and I don't know when I am going to be seeing that (I want to take Aimee down to Arclight to see it for her birthday - the 4th - but I have yet to receive my schedule at BJ's for the next two weeks).
A few things before I stop (second half is about to start. . .):
- The new issue of the paper is out. If you are around AVC, pick one up. Page 9 is really good :D
- I got an A on that midterm essay thing about the Shakespearean sonnets (I talked about it in the last post). Yes, I am the KING of B.S.ing!!! All hail me! (I also got a C on the 10 Things essay - which I'm fine with)
- GO SUNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Night for now,
Sometime, I just can't stand my team. . .
Where did this wall come from that we have so violently hit? It's like we forgot how to play basketball. . . I can relate, though. My schedule is hitting me hard and that wall has now been installed directly in front of me.
I do apologize for the lack of posting recently. I have been really busy (of course - it's me, right?) and that has led to a lack of a desire to blog. I have had a few opportunities, but I just haven't wanted to due to a large amount of apathy present in yours truly. So, sorry.
Things are good, but busy, like I mentioned. Training has been going strong over at BJ's and the FL is as good as always. School is getting down to the nitty gritty (five weeks left!). I have so many papers/assignments/tests over the next five weeks that I am almost guaranteeing (spelling?) carpal tunnel for my wrists (especially with all the trays I'll be carrying to the dishwashing room. . .).
Something I wish was not true was the lack of movie-going experiences I've had. The last film I saw was GRINDHOUSE back on the 9th and I have yet to see some movies that look really interesting to me (DISTURBIA, FRACTURE, and HOT FUZZ!). Plus, SPIDER-MAN 3 comes out next week and I don't know when I am going to be seeing that (I want to take Aimee down to Arclight to see it for her birthday - the 4th - but I have yet to receive my schedule at BJ's for the next two weeks).
A few things before I stop (second half is about to start. . .):
- The new issue of the paper is out. If you are around AVC, pick one up. Page 9 is really good :D
- I got an A on that midterm essay thing about the Shakespearean sonnets (I talked about it in the last post). Yes, I am the KING of B.S.ing!!! All hail me! (I also got a C on the 10 Things essay - which I'm fine with)
- GO SUNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Night for now,
Sunday, April 15, 2007
The Spring Break Grab-Bag: Part Deux
Last year's Spring Break culminated in a Spring Break Grab-Bag and I figured it was only right to do another after this year's Spring Break. . . the only problem is that the week after S.B. has already passed without a blog from yours truly. For good reason. Last week was one of the busiest weeks I've had in some time, and I'm sure that you are interested in what went on (as well as on my thoughts on some recent events - - you are here, aren't you?). . .
So, without further ado, I give you the second annual Spring Break Grab-Bag!
- I'll start with the most recent events and work my way back (Memento-style!). Heather was home this weekend (car check-up) so we had some good hang-out time! We shopped (I bought her two pairs of sandals from the FL; I picked up a couple 25%-off books - Mike Greenberg's WHY MY WIFE THINKS I'M AN IDIOT: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF A SPORTSCASTER DAD and Billy Crystal's 700 SUNDAYS) and ate (El Torito for dinner on Saturday night - fantastic as always!) and rested (I read all day today while she worked on homework - - that's the difference between us you see: She's a great student and I'm a terrible procrastinator. More on that later. . .). Our time together always breezes by and things like stupid Crapspeare class seems to drag on forever. . I don't get it. Anyway, we had a great weekend! Great weekend :D
- So this week. . . Well Monday I had orientation at BJ's (well, actually at the Residence Inn in Palmdale). That was pretty exciting, and I'm looking forward to working there. It should be quite lucrative, especially those first three months (shh. . . don't tell them I'm leaving after July. . .). Instead of bowling like usual on Monday night, I went to see GRINDHOUSE with Justin and Cy. What a fun three hours plus that was!!! I really enjoyed Robert Rodriguez's PLANET TERROR (a grotesque, campy, and hilarious-at-times zombie flick) and I thought the faux trailers were hilarious (especially the one directed by SHAUN OF THE DEAD and HOT FUZZ director, Edgar Wright called DON'T - - - viewers beware of graphic, yet hilarious, material!)
And then there was Quentin Tarantino's DEATH PROOF. Well, watching this at 2100 (when the movie started - not DP, the whole thing) was a bad idea. You see, DP is mostly dialogue, something that ol' QT is a genius of. However, at 2315, all you really want is stuff to get either blown up, run over, or whatever. I would like to see the whole thing again, and I might in the theaters. If I don't, I'll most certainly buy it (gotta add to the QT collection!) and watch it then! If you are a fan of either guys, do yourself a favor and kick back for a three and a half hour film that is nothing but entertaining!
(GRADE: A-)
Tuesday was a school day which ended in me sitting by my computer NOT working on my five-page Shakespeare paper that was due on Thursday. I had chosen to discuss whether or not the 1999 film 10 Things I Hate About You was a good adaptation of William Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew or not. . . Yeah, a weak topic, but I thought I could ramble for five pages pretty easily. I was wrong. I could not, for the life of me, get started!!! Most of Tuesday night was just me trying to find anything to do but write that damn paper. . . I worked most of Wednesday and preceded to do the same thing on Wednesday night. Even though the paper was due Thursday (at 1545), I had no desire to do it. I was INSTANT MESSAGING with my Heather and that took precedence over everything else at the time (we were discussing our future plans - always exciting!). Before I went to sleep at 0230 on Thursday morning, I had three pages and no idea how to get two more done. I ended up skipping Journalism class on Thursday (actually, Professor Hood let me go - he's the best!) to finish it. . which I did! Five pages of perfect bullshit that will probably get me a high C to a low B. I love my writing! . .
The problem was that besides the essay being due, we also had a midterm on the same day! (Not that I would have studied anyway. . ) Well somehow I pulled a 9.5 out of 15 on the fill in the blank (impressive, considering I didn't read the plays or sonnets - also, one of those scary-looking smart girls got an 11; I was happy with my score). Then it was time for the hour long compare/contrast essay on two sonnets. I sat there for half of the time wondering what in the hell I was supposed to write about. I do not understand these poems that Shakespeare wrote, so how am I gonna compare them to each other! I ended up biting my fingernails and looking at all my classmates speedily write down their brilliant answers. My thoughts: "You might be doing well on this essay, but I'm going to be SO much more successful than you!"; (after a girl looks at the clock) "Sorry sweetheart, your time to perfect your essay is running out. . ." and "Well, I guess I should start. . ." And I did. In a half hour I compared the two sonnets (8 and 128) in three full pages. I was impressed with myself. I probably got another mid C with that essay and that puts me right on track to get a C in that class, which is what I've resigned myself to. I'm ok with it. I really am. . .
After that, I worked all day on Friday and then waited impatiently as Heather made her way home, leading to our aforementioned fantastic weekend. . . Speaking of the FL, though, I have to say that I still enjoy working there. My knowledge of the shoes is growing and I still LOVE the discount! If I could be employed at one for the rest of my life (just one day a week, for like two hours!) I would be so happy! Either way, it has introduced me into the world of athletic shoes, and I'm ever-grateful! My bank account, on the other hand. . .
- Ok, so my Lake Powell trip. . . Wow! Are you ready? Am I? Let's find out together!
The five of us Gotts hopped in our rented motorhome on Tuesday afternoon and set out for Williams, Arizona, our first destination. After a VERY LONG eight-hour drive, we arrived at the motorhome hotel (you know, where they have all the hook-ups and such) and began to prepare for sleep. We all headed to bed around 2300 or so, but as the night progressed, it got colder and colder. It was soon hovering around freezing outside, so my dad woke up and went to turn on the heater. . . Problem: The heater did not work! That night was one of the most uncomfortable nights of my life. Not only was my bed pretty iffy (not the softest of mattresses. .), I was practically (and literally) freezing! Well we all woke up kinda upset (my dad especially, who had not gone back to sleep after trying to fix said broken heater - he said he ended up walking off his frustration around the motorhome park. . . poor guy!) but readied ourselves for our journey to the Grand Canyon. There is a train that goes from Williams to the GC and we rode it up there in the morning. We got up there just fine, and when we did, this is what we saw:
It was beautiful. . . We spent almost all afternon up there, going on a tour of the great sight spots, and we got some good fam pics (or sibling pics) out of it:
(that's the sister and me) - - - It was fun, except for these nasty little gnat things that were EVERYWHERE!!! And when I mean everywhere, I mean just that! I dont think that these pests serve any purpose on this planet other than bothering the crap out of tourists at the Grand Canyon. I believe that.
On the train ride back, I taught Aimee the old grade school game MERCY, which apparently she had never heard of. . . that was fun.
And thanks to my new IPOD, some of the two-hour plus train ride went by pretty fast. All in all, it was a cool experience (it was my second journey there - my first was when I was like 3). We bundled up that night (I wore a sweatshirt, my jeans, socks, and covered myself with three blankets) so we were ready for the cold. It was not as bad and we woke up feeling better than the morning before. We then hopped back on the road to head to Lake Powell.
It was about three hours later that we arrived at our hotel and most of the other family members were there already. Pop, Mom-mom (my dad's parents), Aunt Debbie and Uncle Karl (my dad's sister and brother-in-law) were all there and showed us to our rooms. By the time I got out of the shower (that was job one!) the rest of the crew had arrived: Cousins Travis and Josh, along with Renee (Travis' girlfriend) and my Heather had driven in from Las Vegas. Now that everyone was there, we got situated in our rooms and veged out til dinner time. We ate at the hotel's restaurant all three nights we stayed there (which had its pros and cons like everything else). This was our view from our table:
The food was good and the service was, well, it was ok. Josh and I both agreed that we could have done better, but it was fine.
Heather, Aimee, and I went to the spa that first night until it closed at 2200 and then we went to bed. We were up at 0530 for a 0600 breakfast on Friday morning and then it was off again, this time to a small airport where most of us (save for the petrified Aimee and the willing-to-stay-on-Earth Mom) would be getting an aerial tour of Lake Powell: This was us waiting to go up into our "coffin with wings" (you can see the excitement written all over my face!) - - -
And then this was all of us after we had returned safely:
It was a pretty cool time up in the air, although I wish I could have had a little more air (and I was reassured by the air-sickness bag in the pocket in front of me!). We had some nice views of the Lake Powell area, and then arrived back on the ground without a scratch! We then were off to our next adventure, a canyon tour. We off-roaded to get there (via a 4x4 truck owned and operated by the Native Americans who put on the tour) and then spent the next couple hours walking through this amazing tunnel that has been created by the wind and the rain/floods of the past thousands/millions of years (whatever you believe). It was incredible to see the way nature looks in its most, well, natural (sorry, I used the word twice. . .) sense. Looking straight up out of the canyon while traversing through it provided some sights like these:
A man named Chief Tsose led us through the canyon and he was very knowledgeable (he should be - he grew up playing hide and seek in the canyon!), funny, and talented. He played a flute-like instrument that when played in the canyon, resonated for hundreds of feet. It was a beautiful experience and Caleb was even offered the chance to play by the Chief, but he passed (this is a picture of their interaction:)
That night culminated in dinner at the same place and then some family fun afterwards. It was a blast to hang out with Travis and Josh. I had not seen Josh since our Maryland trip in December of 2004, so it had been way too long! Saturday was made up of a later breakfast (0830) and then a relaxing early afternoon before we headed to the big dam (its the second largest in the U.S. I guess, behind the Hoover Dam) for our Rive
r Raft tour.
I was mistaken when I wrote here that it would be "White Water" rafting. You see, that would imply speed of any kind. This trip was the slowest tour thing I think I have ever been on. It was neat to see the canyon walls from the bottom, looking up, though.
At least our tour guide was entertaining ("32" - for those who went!) through the sun (at the beginning, it was unbearably hot), rain (it got overcast and began to spit about halfway through), and wind (I thought Heather was gonna blow off the side of the raft at one point!). Four hours later, we sleepily got on the bus to take us back to our cars. We got back, cleaned up, and then went to the Anniversary Dinner. Like I said last time, the trip was for my grandparents' 50th Anniversary (which is actually in October). We celebrated their marriage with laughter, tears, and an all-around enjoyable experience.
(from left: Josh, Pop, Heather, Aimee, Caleb, Renee, Mom-mom, Travis)
The trip was what they wanted to do (Pop had been planning it for several years after having taken a tour bus - he is a driver - up to that spot) and it was the VERY LEAST that we could do to go. The two of them do so much for all of us! Thanks you guys for a memorable experience and a true chance to get away from the stressful world of work, school, and responsibility. I will never forget the times that we had!
And neither will you, now that I finally blogged about it! . .
I do have opinions on the whole Don Imus thing (stupid mistake, yes. cause for termination, yeah. deep-seeded issues, more than likely. . .), the NBA playoffs (o, it's coming!!!), and my SUMMER MOVIE PREVIEW is on its way (its ready to be typed out!). But you will have to wait for that - - it's almost 0100 and I have to work at 1000.
Hope you enjoyed all of the words (and the pics!!!) I had for you this time! Less time before the next post - I promise!
- - - ". . . why I love sports so much. There is nothing in the world better than investing everything into something that means absolutely nothing."
- - - My new mission statement, care of Mike Greenberg!
Goodnight
So, without further ado, I give you the second annual Spring Break Grab-Bag!
- I'll start with the most recent events and work my way back (Memento-style!). Heather was home this weekend (car check-up) so we had some good hang-out time! We shopped (I bought her two pairs of sandals from the FL; I picked up a couple 25%-off books - Mike Greenberg's WHY MY WIFE THINKS I'M AN IDIOT: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF A SPORTSCASTER DAD and Billy Crystal's 700 SUNDAYS) and ate (El Torito for dinner on Saturday night - fantastic as always!) and rested (I read all day today while she worked on homework - - that's the difference between us you see: She's a great student and I'm a terrible procrastinator. More on that later. . .). Our time together always breezes by and things like stupid Crapspeare class seems to drag on forever. . I don't get it. Anyway, we had a great weekend! Great weekend :D
- So this week. . . Well Monday I had orientation at BJ's (well, actually at the Residence Inn in Palmdale). That was pretty exciting, and I'm looking forward to working there. It should be quite lucrative, especially those first three months (shh. . . don't tell them I'm leaving after July. . .). Instead of bowling like usual on Monday night, I went to see GRINDHOUSE with Justin and Cy. What a fun three hours plus that was!!! I really enjoyed Robert Rodriguez's PLANET TERROR (a grotesque, campy, and hilarious-at-times zombie flick) and I thought the faux trailers were hilarious (especially the one directed by SHAUN OF THE DEAD and HOT FUZZ director, Edgar Wright called DON'T - - - viewers beware of graphic, yet hilarious, material!)
And then there was Quentin Tarantino's DEATH PROOF. Well, watching this at 2100 (when the movie started - not DP, the whole thing) was a bad idea. You see, DP is mostly dialogue, something that ol' QT is a genius of. However, at 2315, all you really want is stuff to get either blown up, run over, or whatever. I would like to see the whole thing again, and I might in the theaters. If I don't, I'll most certainly buy it (gotta add to the QT collection!) and watch it then! If you are a fan of either guys, do yourself a favor and kick back for a three and a half hour film that is nothing but entertaining!
(GRADE: A-)
Tuesday was a school day which ended in me sitting by my computer NOT working on my five-page Shakespeare paper that was due on Thursday. I had chosen to discuss whether or not the 1999 film 10 Things I Hate About You was a good adaptation of William Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew or not. . . Yeah, a weak topic, but I thought I could ramble for five pages pretty easily. I was wrong. I could not, for the life of me, get started!!! Most of Tuesday night was just me trying to find anything to do but write that damn paper. . . I worked most of Wednesday and preceded to do the same thing on Wednesday night. Even though the paper was due Thursday (at 1545), I had no desire to do it. I was INSTANT MESSAGING with my Heather and that took precedence over everything else at the time (we were discussing our future plans - always exciting!). Before I went to sleep at 0230 on Thursday morning, I had three pages and no idea how to get two more done. I ended up skipping Journalism class on Thursday (actually, Professor Hood let me go - he's the best!) to finish it. . which I did! Five pages of perfect bullshit that will probably get me a high C to a low B. I love my writing! . .
The problem was that besides the essay being due, we also had a midterm on the same day! (Not that I would have studied anyway. . ) Well somehow I pulled a 9.5 out of 15 on the fill in the blank (impressive, considering I didn't read the plays or sonnets - also, one of those scary-looking smart girls got an 11; I was happy with my score). Then it was time for the hour long compare/contrast essay on two sonnets. I sat there for half of the time wondering what in the hell I was supposed to write about. I do not understand these poems that Shakespeare wrote, so how am I gonna compare them to each other! I ended up biting my fingernails and looking at all my classmates speedily write down their brilliant answers. My thoughts: "You might be doing well on this essay, but I'm going to be SO much more successful than you!"; (after a girl looks at the clock) "Sorry sweetheart, your time to perfect your essay is running out. . ." and "Well, I guess I should start. . ." And I did. In a half hour I compared the two sonnets (8 and 128) in three full pages. I was impressed with myself. I probably got another mid C with that essay and that puts me right on track to get a C in that class, which is what I've resigned myself to. I'm ok with it. I really am. . .
After that, I worked all day on Friday and then waited impatiently as Heather made her way home, leading to our aforementioned fantastic weekend. . . Speaking of the FL, though, I have to say that I still enjoy working there. My knowledge of the shoes is growing and I still LOVE the discount! If I could be employed at one for the rest of my life (just one day a week, for like two hours!) I would be so happy! Either way, it has introduced me into the world of athletic shoes, and I'm ever-grateful! My bank account, on the other hand. . .
- Ok, so my Lake Powell trip. . . Wow! Are you ready? Am I? Let's find out together!
The five of us Gotts hopped in our rented motorhome on Tuesday afternoon and set out for Williams, Arizona, our first destination. After a VERY LONG eight-hour drive, we arrived at the motorhome hotel (you know, where they have all the hook-ups and such) and began to prepare for sleep. We all headed to bed around 2300 or so, but as the night progressed, it got colder and colder. It was soon hovering around freezing outside, so my dad woke up and went to turn on the heater. . . Problem: The heater did not work! That night was one of the most uncomfortable nights of my life. Not only was my bed pretty iffy (not the softest of mattresses. .), I was practically (and literally) freezing! Well we all woke up kinda upset (my dad especially, who had not gone back to sleep after trying to fix said broken heater - he said he ended up walking off his frustration around the motorhome park. . . poor guy!) but readied ourselves for our journey to the Grand Canyon. There is a train that goes from Williams to the GC and we rode it up there in the morning. We got up there just fine, and when we did, this is what we saw:
It was beautiful. . . We spent almost all afternon up there, going on a tour of the great sight spots, and we got some good fam pics (or sibling pics) out of it:
(that's the sister and me) - - - It was fun, except for these nasty little gnat things that were EVERYWHERE!!! And when I mean everywhere, I mean just that! I dont think that these pests serve any purpose on this planet other than bothering the crap out of tourists at the Grand Canyon. I believe that.
On the train ride back, I taught Aimee the old grade school game MERCY, which apparently she had never heard of. . . that was fun.
And thanks to my new IPOD, some of the two-hour plus train ride went by pretty fast. All in all, it was a cool experience (it was my second journey there - my first was when I was like 3). We bundled up that night (I wore a sweatshirt, my jeans, socks, and covered myself with three blankets) so we were ready for the cold. It was not as bad and we woke up feeling better than the morning before. We then hopped back on the road to head to Lake Powell.
It was about three hours later that we arrived at our hotel and most of the other family members were there already. Pop, Mom-mom (my dad's parents), Aunt Debbie and Uncle Karl (my dad's sister and brother-in-law) were all there and showed us to our rooms. By the time I got out of the shower (that was job one!) the rest of the crew had arrived: Cousins Travis and Josh, along with Renee (Travis' girlfriend) and my Heather had driven in from Las Vegas. Now that everyone was there, we got situated in our rooms and veged out til dinner time. We ate at the hotel's restaurant all three nights we stayed there (which had its pros and cons like everything else). This was our view from our table:
The food was good and the service was, well, it was ok. Josh and I both agreed that we could have done better, but it was fine.
Heather, Aimee, and I went to the spa that first night until it closed at 2200 and then we went to bed. We were up at 0530 for a 0600 breakfast on Friday morning and then it was off again, this time to a small airport where most of us (save for the petrified Aimee and the willing-to-stay-on-Earth Mom) would be getting an aerial tour of Lake Powell: This was us waiting to go up into our "coffin with wings" (you can see the excitement written all over my face!) - - -
And then this was all of us after we had returned safely:
It was a pretty cool time up in the air, although I wish I could have had a little more air (and I was reassured by the air-sickness bag in the pocket in front of me!). We had some nice views of the Lake Powell area, and then arrived back on the ground without a scratch! We then were off to our next adventure, a canyon tour. We off-roaded to get there (via a 4x4 truck owned and operated by the Native Americans who put on the tour) and then spent the next couple hours walking through this amazing tunnel that has been created by the wind and the rain/floods of the past thousands/millions of years (whatever you believe). It was incredible to see the way nature looks in its most, well, natural (sorry, I used the word twice. . .) sense. Looking straight up out of the canyon while traversing through it provided some sights like these:
A man named Chief Tsose led us through the canyon and he was very knowledgeable (he should be - he grew up playing hide and seek in the canyon!), funny, and talented. He played a flute-like instrument that when played in the canyon, resonated for hundreds of feet. It was a beautiful experience and Caleb was even offered the chance to play by the Chief, but he passed (this is a picture of their interaction:)
That night culminated in dinner at the same place and then some family fun afterwards. It was a blast to hang out with Travis and Josh. I had not seen Josh since our Maryland trip in December of 2004, so it had been way too long! Saturday was made up of a later breakfast (0830) and then a relaxing early afternoon before we headed to the big dam (its the second largest in the U.S. I guess, behind the Hoover Dam) for our Rive
r Raft tour.I was mistaken when I wrote here that it would be "White Water" rafting. You see, that would imply speed of any kind. This trip was the slowest tour thing I think I have ever been on. It was neat to see the canyon walls from the bottom, looking up, though.
At least our tour guide was entertaining ("32" - for those who went!) through the sun (at the beginning, it was unbearably hot), rain (it got overcast and began to spit about halfway through), and wind (I thought Heather was gonna blow off the side of the raft at one point!). Four hours later, we sleepily got on the bus to take us back to our cars. We got back, cleaned up, and then went to the Anniversary Dinner. Like I said last time, the trip was for my grandparents' 50th Anniversary (which is actually in October). We celebrated their marriage with laughter, tears, and an all-around enjoyable experience.
(from left: Josh, Pop, Heather, Aimee, Caleb, Renee, Mom-mom, Travis)
The trip was what they wanted to do (Pop had been planning it for several years after having taken a tour bus - he is a driver - up to that spot) and it was the VERY LEAST that we could do to go. The two of them do so much for all of us! Thanks you guys for a memorable experience and a true chance to get away from the stressful world of work, school, and responsibility. I will never forget the times that we had!
And neither will you, now that I finally blogged about it! . .
I do have opinions on the whole Don Imus thing (stupid mistake, yes. cause for termination, yeah. deep-seeded issues, more than likely. . .), the NBA playoffs (o, it's coming!!!), and my SUMMER MOVIE PREVIEW is on its way (its ready to be typed out!). But you will have to wait for that - - it's almost 0100 and I have to work at 1000.
Hope you enjoyed all of the words (and the pics!!!) I had for you this time! Less time before the next post - I promise!
- - - ". . . why I love sports so much. There is nothing in the world better than investing everything into something that means absolutely nothing."
- - - My new mission statement, care of Mike Greenberg!
Goodnight
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
The Wonderful World of New
There are lots of things NEW for yours truly at this time. Lots.
So let's get right down to it:
- This is a NEW post! That, of course, is something that has not been seen since last Tuesday (and I am very sorry about that!). . . I've been hella busy (as always) but that is really no excuse. I've really just been lazy about blogging : ( Sorry
- I officially have a NEW job! This is not a replacement job though. No no. This is a secondary job (but it will actually act, at least monetarily, as the primary). An "on the side" job, if you will. That is, if "on the side" means literally "smothering into respiratory arrest". Does it? It might. . . Anyway, onto the new job. I was hired today at BJ'S RESTAURANT AND BREWERY as a Server Assistant, which is essentially a "glorified busser". We do everything that a Server can do except take orders and put them into a computer and give the check to the table. But we might. Essentially, each of us on will be assigned about six Servers and we stay in that section. We get drink refills. We ask"Is everything ok?". We help run food. We clean the table off and reset it for the next party. . . Whew. I'm back in the restaurant world! Oh, crap!!! Well, at least it will help the ol' bank account. I think I'm getting $8 an hour plus the tip-outs from those Servers we are assigned to. Sounds good to me!
- I have a NEW toy! This toy is. . . an IPOD!!! No joke. I was at work on Monday and Manny tells me that neither him nor Jenn are using his 30 GB Video IPOD. Do I want it? Do I want it?!?!?! Absofrickinlutely! He offered it to me for $100, which included headphones, a protective case, the USB cord, and an arm band for working out purposes (which I will probably be offering to Heather). What a deal! This here contraption retails for $250 plus the ol' tax and I am so very stoked with my new toy. I started syncing all my music to it and then started investigating Podcasts and I have already subscribed to two free Podcasts (Kevin Smith's SMODCAST and Pardon the Interruption!). . . I'm finally cool like everyone else!
- I have some new shoes! However, one of the pairs of shoes were free (yes, that's an excuse). My one pair of newer shoes are my new basketball shoes, which also happen to be the best-looking basketball shoe to come out in some time. These are the KG Bounce, the new Kevin Garnett shoe. This is what they look like (and the writing on the bottom of the shoe are all the names of people that KG loves or something - - boy has pull with Adidas!):
I love them! I have already played in them once and they rock. Great buy! Now these free shoes. Yeah, well, these were offered out as a promotion until April 22 and I couldn't say no, even though I would never buy them to be begin with (they retail for $40). But they're free, and all I have to do is wear 'em to work! Sweet!
- I have a NEW review that I have written. This one is for 300, a film that I found tremendously entertaining, no matter how inaccurate (or retarded, if you will) that it might have been. Who knows? But I liked it! So here (and this is what I will close with for tonight) is my review for 300:
Have a nice sleep everyone! Talk at ya later!
Goodnight
So let's get right down to it:
- This is a NEW post! That, of course, is something that has not been seen since last Tuesday (and I am very sorry about that!). . . I've been hella busy (as always) but that is really no excuse. I've really just been lazy about blogging : ( Sorry
- I officially have a NEW job! This is not a replacement job though. No no. This is a secondary job (but it will actually act, at least monetarily, as the primary). An "on the side" job, if you will. That is, if "on the side" means literally "smothering into respiratory arrest". Does it? It might. . . Anyway, onto the new job. I was hired today at BJ'S RESTAURANT AND BREWERY as a Server Assistant, which is essentially a "glorified busser". We do everything that a Server can do except take orders and put them into a computer and give the check to the table. But we might. Essentially, each of us on will be assigned about six Servers and we stay in that section. We get drink refills. We ask"Is everything ok?". We help run food. We clean the table off and reset it for the next party. . . Whew. I'm back in the restaurant world! Oh, crap!!! Well, at least it will help the ol' bank account. I think I'm getting $8 an hour plus the tip-outs from those Servers we are assigned to. Sounds good to me!
- I have a NEW toy! This toy is. . . an IPOD!!! No joke. I was at work on Monday and Manny tells me that neither him nor Jenn are using his 30 GB Video IPOD. Do I want it? Do I want it?!?!?! Absofrickinlutely! He offered it to me for $100, which included headphones, a protective case, the USB cord, and an arm band for working out purposes (which I will probably be offering to Heather). What a deal! This here contraption retails for $250 plus the ol' tax and I am so very stoked with my new toy. I started syncing all my music to it and then started investigating Podcasts and I have already subscribed to two free Podcasts (Kevin Smith's SMODCAST and Pardon the Interruption!). . . I'm finally cool like everyone else!
- I have some new shoes! However, one of the pairs of shoes were free (yes, that's an excuse). My one pair of newer shoes are my new basketball shoes, which also happen to be the best-looking basketball shoe to come out in some time. These are the KG Bounce, the new Kevin Garnett shoe. This is what they look like (and the writing on the bottom of the shoe are all the names of people that KG loves or something - - boy has pull with Adidas!):
I love them! I have already played in them once and they rock. Great buy! Now these free shoes. Yeah, well, these were offered out as a promotion until April 22 and I couldn't say no, even though I would never buy them to be begin with (they retail for $40). But they're free, and all I have to do is wear 'em to work! Sweet!
- I have a NEW review that I have written. This one is for 300, a film that I found tremendously entertaining, no matter how inaccurate (or retarded, if you will) that it might have been. Who knows? But I liked it! So here (and this is what I will close with for tonight) is my review for 300:
(Still No Title - - I'm looking for something witty!!!)
By Justin Gott – Senior Writer
300 tells the gruesome tale of the Battle of Thermopylae. This 480 B.C. battle was fought between the menacing Persians and the freedom-loving, finely-toned Spartans led by their king, Leonidas (The Phantom of the Opera’s adequately-oiled Gerard Butler).
With 300, director Zach Snyder (of 2004’s Dawn of the Dead remake) has created a beautifully grotesque tribute to Miller’s material. He does so by featuring countless scenes and images pulled directly from the original sources that inspired this breathtaking film.
In the film, Leonidas leads his three hundred finest soldiers to meet the overwhelming throngs of invading Persians. Though severely undermanned, Leonidas is confident in his army’s superior fighting skills and rightfully so.
For example, when the heroic Spartans clash with the Persian warriors known as “Immortals,” they never back down, despite the intimidating nickname given to their fearsome opponents. Consequently, Leonidas and his men “put [the Immortals’] names to the test.”
As the Spartan narrator proudly claims, “We did what we were trained to do. What we were bred to do. What we were born to do.” These men are simply natural born killers.
The narrator (The Lord of the Rings’ David Wenham) also remarks that the Spartan army has “no place for softness or weakness.” The same can be said for 300’s audience, which is presented with battle sequences not for the squeamish.
Bloodbaths and massacres ensue. Legs are severed. Plasma spurts from former appendages now lying on the corpse-covered battlefield. Although the violence is at times overwhelmingly graphic (injuries include impalements, decapitations, and other involuntary amputations) there is something savagely poetic about 300.
The script is filled with militaristic clichés to pump up the troops (and presumably the audience) but the filmmakers never patronize the viewers. It is evident that Snyder and his crew had as much fun putting their vision together as the film’s main demographic will have viewing it.
300 was shot entirely with the use of a “green screen,” meaning that the actors were filmed on an empty stage and the stunning locales were added in digitally in post-production. The editing is seamless and the video game-like graphics neither distract from the action on the screen nor discredit the reality of the ongoing conflicts.
Despite what many critics are saying, this film is not making a political statement. Zach Snyder, who also co-wrote the screenplay, simply wanted to create a visually stunning account of the brave Spartans that stood strong in the face of adversity.
Through 300, Snyder has successfully constructed a downright entertaining (although not entirely accurate) history lesson of a time period that most assuredly fell on deaf ears when it was taught in history classes.
Ultimately, the stars of the film are both the impressive images and the “eight-packs” featured on every Spartan warrior. These blatantly cut soldiers march around clothed in nothing but crimson capes and leather briefs that only serve to exaggerate their defined pectorals and abs.
Not negative in any way, the atmosphere of the film is solidified by the exploitation of these well-built men of war. By this token, 300 serves not only as a spectacular piece of entertainment, but also as a motivational tool to begin doing sit-ups every morning!
(Grade: B+)
- And that's all for now. But I'll post again this weekend - - or tomorrow! There's an idea!Have a nice sleep everyone! Talk at ya later!
Goodnight
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