The Post - Take 2
Ugg..i hate that. I had a nice post last nite..but it got lost in the upload. Thought i'd remember how problematic blogger could be at times...but oh well. I'll try it again.
Anyways...the prompt for this post...was basically...yeah...i had time to write. Writing has always been an outlet for me..and a constructive method of expression. I've been told many times that i tend to mumble...well...writing it provides that sense of clarity. Only thing writing misses is emphasis...but that can also be acheived throught effective writing. Ahh..but i digress.
For the most part..i'd have to say...i'm pretty happy. Glad to be able to say that. I look around and see i have a nice house to live in. I have friends and family that support me and look out for me. I have a wonderful girlfriend who loves me for who I am..in all its dorkiness at times. My job is great..and they take care of me and appreciate me. Overall, I'd have to say life is going well (knock on wood that it doesn't jinx me).
Of course...not everything is perfect, nor is it expected to be. Guess its just those many challenges that life puts in front of us (Karen being 3000 miles away, long hours at work, my lawn dying). I guess you just have to take it all in stride and hope for the best...cuz in the end..thats all you can do.
After talking with my friend Rando, we both agree that it really comes down to your quality of life. Not to be bogged down with things...but just enjoying life as it comes. With Karen, I just tend to find more of the beauty in things...namely cuz she finds beauty in me *blush*. Life...yeah...make use of your time.
With that in mind..i'd like to set more goals for myself. Getting tired of TV (while i can say i still get caught by it).. but trying to find more time tp focus on myself. Less of going to clubs and parties..but more of watching Naruto with my cousin. I'm thinking of picking up guitare, as well as a language...but that will all come as i organize my life and things together. I think i'm almost there...so my opportunities for growth seem very open...namely cuz i'm happy...with all that i have already.
Anyways..i'm hoping to write more..but for now i'm gonna sleep.
Oh yah...wanted to say "Konnichiwa" to my lil Enida. I just got your postcard sweetie...so I'm hoping you're enjoying Japan. Call me when you read this since i'm not sure if your cell phone area code really changed.
Sunday, September 26, 2004
Friday, September 17, 2004
Bill Koo's Visit
For the last week in Aug..i had a friend stay with me. Nice story when you think about it He is a friend from UCR that i met in my second year. That year i didn't really do much with my dorm hall, as i had my fair share of activities with APO. Anyways..Bill was one of the few people in the hall that would actually stop and talk to me. He has been great in organizing D4 Hall get-togethers and keeping in touch with everyone (well...more with the people he hung out with...less on me cuz we hardly talked).
Anyways..i was going through my buddy list..and clearing out the names of people i don't see online anymore...or really talk to anymore. I saw Bill's screenname. I mean...geez..its been like..almost 7 years since i've seen him or talked to him. So..mentally..i decided..i think i'll just archive his name..and remove him from the list. Well..that same day (yeah..believe it), I was about to IM someone..and I accidentally double clicked his name. D'oh. I asked if he remembered who it was (was using my personal IM..not the work one)..and he said yeah. Our converstation got into how we each have been, his wife and daughter, and stories of the ol' gang. I was happy that he still remembered me...even thought it had been so long. Well..he proceeds to ask me about Microsoft stuff...esp since i was a MCSE teacher...and tells me that he qualified for this free class in Anaheim. I'm not sure how the topic came up..but basically i offered for him to stay at my house...to save him some money. Raising a family is not easy...let alone in the bay area. It was a good week with him there...the few times we were able to see each other. I think the best part though was the first day.
I think the most memorable experience of that week was that monday. Karen had been house sitting waiting for the electrician throughout the day. Bill had just driven in from his first day of class...that started with him leaving victorville at 5am that morning. Earlier in the day, i got the call that my school network server was down as well..and they needed it back up soon (school was starting the next week). While i was coming home to greet both of them and try to unwind, i got the call that the Australia firewall was down..and needed to get things back up quick.
Talk about pressure. At the same time that started happening, the electrican arrives to work on something..and neil walks in to start moving some stuff in. CRAZY i tell you. I'm glad Karen sensed the pressure and took Bill out to get food..while i stressed in front of the PC. Thats the nice thing about her...she can read me well.
Later that evening...everything starts to settle...more like midnite or so....and i'm sitting there questioning myself..."do i go to the school tonite...or not?". I made a promise..that i'd go...but i knew that the staff would understand if i couldn't. In front of me, my wary traveller Bill was getting ready to crash while Karen was sleeping in my room. I decided...i'm gonna go. I promised..and they needed it for the next day.
So..i started getting things ready..and i went to my room to tell Karen i was going. Its only been a short time knowing her...but i knew she'd be upset if i didn't tell her. Because i knew her..i also guessed at what she would do next.
Yeah...she woke up...to come along. I told her she didn't have to...but she was set on what she wanted to do. In many respects thats whut i love about her. We got her CD player..and put some things together. What i didn't expect was the following...
as i started to walk to leave the house...Bill learned that Karen was going...and decided that he would come along as well. Wow..i surround my self with some amazing people. A friend i havent talked to in forever....and a girlfriend i only met a month ago...both heading out on a task with me at 1am.
I truly am a lucky man for the friends i have.
For the last week in Aug..i had a friend stay with me. Nice story when you think about it He is a friend from UCR that i met in my second year. That year i didn't really do much with my dorm hall, as i had my fair share of activities with APO. Anyways..Bill was one of the few people in the hall that would actually stop and talk to me. He has been great in organizing D4 Hall get-togethers and keeping in touch with everyone (well...more with the people he hung out with...less on me cuz we hardly talked).
Anyways..i was going through my buddy list..and clearing out the names of people i don't see online anymore...or really talk to anymore. I saw Bill's screenname. I mean...geez..its been like..almost 7 years since i've seen him or talked to him. So..mentally..i decided..i think i'll just archive his name..and remove him from the list. Well..that same day (yeah..believe it), I was about to IM someone..and I accidentally double clicked his name. D'oh. I asked if he remembered who it was (was using my personal IM..not the work one)..and he said yeah. Our converstation got into how we each have been, his wife and daughter, and stories of the ol' gang. I was happy that he still remembered me...even thought it had been so long. Well..he proceeds to ask me about Microsoft stuff...esp since i was a MCSE teacher...and tells me that he qualified for this free class in Anaheim. I'm not sure how the topic came up..but basically i offered for him to stay at my house...to save him some money. Raising a family is not easy...let alone in the bay area. It was a good week with him there...the few times we were able to see each other. I think the best part though was the first day.
I think the most memorable experience of that week was that monday. Karen had been house sitting waiting for the electrician throughout the day. Bill had just driven in from his first day of class...that started with him leaving victorville at 5am that morning. Earlier in the day, i got the call that my school network server was down as well..and they needed it back up soon (school was starting the next week). While i was coming home to greet both of them and try to unwind, i got the call that the Australia firewall was down..and needed to get things back up quick.
Talk about pressure. At the same time that started happening, the electrican arrives to work on something..and neil walks in to start moving some stuff in. CRAZY i tell you. I'm glad Karen sensed the pressure and took Bill out to get food..while i stressed in front of the PC. Thats the nice thing about her...she can read me well.
Later that evening...everything starts to settle...more like midnite or so....and i'm sitting there questioning myself..."do i go to the school tonite...or not?". I made a promise..that i'd go...but i knew that the staff would understand if i couldn't. In front of me, my wary traveller Bill was getting ready to crash while Karen was sleeping in my room. I decided...i'm gonna go. I promised..and they needed it for the next day.
So..i started getting things ready..and i went to my room to tell Karen i was going. Its only been a short time knowing her...but i knew she'd be upset if i didn't tell her. Because i knew her..i also guessed at what she would do next.
Yeah...she woke up...to come along. I told her she didn't have to...but she was set on what she wanted to do. In many respects thats whut i love about her. We got her CD player..and put some things together. What i didn't expect was the following...
as i started to walk to leave the house...Bill learned that Karen was going...and decided that he would come along as well. Wow..i surround my self with some amazing people. A friend i havent talked to in forever....and a girlfriend i only met a month ago...both heading out on a task with me at 1am.
I truly am a lucky man for the friends i have.
Thursday, September 09, 2004
Where's Ray....
Yes..it may have seen hopeless for a while there...but yes..i have returned to blog. No real reason for the departure mind you...just had other things to do...like live life...than write about it. But alas...do not fret...for i will again humor my anonymous (and sometimes not so anonymous) reading community with my thoughts, words, experiences...and of course insights.
So..lets start with where i've been.
Humm..since the last post
- family dinner for Dad's bday at Lawry's. Karen got to meet everyone. Can't really gauge how that event went entirely...but overall it was ok. I think once i get things settled i'll ask my dad over for BBQ or something just more relaxing.
- When to PMX bbq. Wasn't too much for excitement level...but i was reminded that it seems just like the AX bbq. Found myself doing more physical activity..like playing catch...and flying a kite =). It was nice spending time with the new AX people...and future PMX staff.
- House Status - at this point...most of the living room is done. Had a great handy man that helped out and house sitters (alfred and karen) that made sure he could get in each time. The speakers and home theater system are up (man..that was drama in itself). He also added an aditional outlet in the entertainment area. Alfred and I installed a screen door to get more air flow to the room. I also bought some additional artwork and even a violin for the room. Just wait till its done..and I'll probably host a small kick back. Just need to do curtains now..and some paint. After the paint..the floor..and that will be it....for now =p....till i do the windows...ugg...seems endless
-Other House things - Got my roomie in. Welcome Neil as first ever roommate to the house. I've known Neil from back in the days of UCLA APO..and he's always been friendly, outgoing and overall cool. Kinda weird realizing that i have a roommate now..but its all good. Also thanks to Dave and Nea...gonna get a washer and dryer soon. Yeah!
- Bill Koo's Visit/MCSE classes - I'll actually do a seperate post for this one..cuz it could get long. (as if this post wasn't long enough)
- AX bbq - Yea..just like the other bbq. This time..the feelings have just been different...and less people i'm comfortable with.I did have fun playing basketball and horse. Man..some of the crazy things we made people do. =)
Other than that...just been living life. Oh Karen you ask =p...well..she's off to school and for the most part things are going well. I dont' really want to be the mushy - everything i write about and think about is her - boyfriend type...but really... I do miss her and love her a lot. We talk every nite...to inquire about each others day...but mostly just to hear each others voice. Its funny..cuz a lot of people have asked me if we plan on staying exclusive since we're sooo far away....and in fact we are. I'm happy to have found someone so special in my life...and still gives me room to breather and grow...because we both do not want our lives to revolve around each other...just as long as we're both a part of it. I've seen too many times when people get to into each other..that they lose themselves. For me...this relationship is a good balance. Course..i could do without the 3000 mile distance...but that is just a matter of time...and she is well worth it.
Besides that..been watching a lot of asian media. Got an M-Flow CD from Bren and loving the J-Drama "Be Nice to People". Man...they just really know how to reach a person. Trying to stay away from normal TV...but finding enough things to keep me busy (Note to self..need to work on the School network.) Anyways..also reading my next book C/O mantha..."Angels and Demons" by Dan Brown. Its a really good book...i can hardly put it down at times.
So yes...i'm alive...and truly busy (its not just an excuse...it really has been). I see that other bloggers have also been on break...but hopefully i can get visited by that comment whore martin (he hee..i swear u must wait for posts to appear at times martin..cuz as soon as they come up..u've got a comment. And i though I didn't work =p Love ya man.)
Till next time..
Oh yeah...Ventura Camping trip this weekend....so i wonder if i'll come across this...
Beer Bear link
I'm bringing Asahi..so hopefully he doesn't visit.
Yes..it may have seen hopeless for a while there...but yes..i have returned to blog. No real reason for the departure mind you...just had other things to do...like live life...than write about it. But alas...do not fret...for i will again humor my anonymous (and sometimes not so anonymous) reading community with my thoughts, words, experiences...and of course insights.
So..lets start with where i've been.
Humm..since the last post
- family dinner for Dad's bday at Lawry's. Karen got to meet everyone. Can't really gauge how that event went entirely...but overall it was ok. I think once i get things settled i'll ask my dad over for BBQ or something just more relaxing.
- When to PMX bbq. Wasn't too much for excitement level...but i was reminded that it seems just like the AX bbq. Found myself doing more physical activity..like playing catch...and flying a kite =). It was nice spending time with the new AX people...and future PMX staff.
- House Status - at this point...most of the living room is done. Had a great handy man that helped out and house sitters (alfred and karen) that made sure he could get in each time. The speakers and home theater system are up (man..that was drama in itself). He also added an aditional outlet in the entertainment area. Alfred and I installed a screen door to get more air flow to the room. I also bought some additional artwork and even a violin for the room. Just wait till its done..and I'll probably host a small kick back. Just need to do curtains now..and some paint. After the paint..the floor..and that will be it....for now =p....till i do the windows...ugg...seems endless
-Other House things - Got my roomie in. Welcome Neil as first ever roommate to the house. I've known Neil from back in the days of UCLA APO..and he's always been friendly, outgoing and overall cool. Kinda weird realizing that i have a roommate now..but its all good. Also thanks to Dave and Nea...gonna get a washer and dryer soon. Yeah!
- Bill Koo's Visit/MCSE classes - I'll actually do a seperate post for this one..cuz it could get long. (as if this post wasn't long enough)
- AX bbq - Yea..just like the other bbq. This time..the feelings have just been different...and less people i'm comfortable with.I did have fun playing basketball and horse. Man..some of the crazy things we made people do. =)
Other than that...just been living life. Oh Karen you ask =p...well..she's off to school and for the most part things are going well. I dont' really want to be the mushy - everything i write about and think about is her - boyfriend type...but really... I do miss her and love her a lot. We talk every nite...to inquire about each others day...but mostly just to hear each others voice. Its funny..cuz a lot of people have asked me if we plan on staying exclusive since we're sooo far away....and in fact we are. I'm happy to have found someone so special in my life...and still gives me room to breather and grow...because we both do not want our lives to revolve around each other...just as long as we're both a part of it. I've seen too many times when people get to into each other..that they lose themselves. For me...this relationship is a good balance. Course..i could do without the 3000 mile distance...but that is just a matter of time...and she is well worth it.
Besides that..been watching a lot of asian media. Got an M-Flow CD from Bren and loving the J-Drama "Be Nice to People". Man...they just really know how to reach a person. Trying to stay away from normal TV...but finding enough things to keep me busy (Note to self..need to work on the School network.) Anyways..also reading my next book C/O mantha..."Angels and Demons" by Dan Brown. Its a really good book...i can hardly put it down at times.
So yes...i'm alive...and truly busy (its not just an excuse...it really has been). I see that other bloggers have also been on break...but hopefully i can get visited by that comment whore martin (he hee..i swear u must wait for posts to appear at times martin..cuz as soon as they come up..u've got a comment. And i though I didn't work =p Love ya man.)
Till next time..
Oh yeah...Ventura Camping trip this weekend....so i wonder if i'll come across this...
Beer Bear link
I'm bringing Asahi..so hopefully he doesn't visit.
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