-Peek a boo-

Can't say i was really inspired to write, but wanted to let people know that I'm still alive. Guess best to start with a recap.

a) Sam's bday - It was fun...with more highlights than just the beef =p. Unfortunately at "big" events I feel we tend to worry more on making sure things go ok, rather than just sitting back and enjoying it. Got to see a number of family members and friends which was nice. My original hope of having samantha do a "crowd surf" during Karen and my song actually became more of a messy mosh-ish pit that really didn't come out well at all. All in all, happy to be there and glad Sam had a good time.

b) PMX - The convention went well. As much as i expected, things were fun but definitely stressful. I've been broadcasted to japan wearing Jerry's shirt (thanks Jerry =p) for the OLIVIA Nana costume panel and didn't see the green fairy. Spending time with Ohana was great, but realized more how my position tends to pull me away from the fun with the family. Great times at Curry House and Beard papas. Great possibilities for Random Ninjas but unfortunately ended my weekend with a traffic ticket ugg.

c) Alfred's bday - Oh man...what more to say than "I LOVE YOU MAN." Great time with family again and lucky to have such a great cousin.

d) Medieval Times - Go Red Knight. Catching up with Justin and Mel was a lot of fun. Feeling like your car dies everytime you stop (Mel's new Civic Hybrid) and wrapping up the weekend with Versailles Chicken (yum yum). Happy Birthday Mel and Justin is STILL way cooler than you. =p

e) Disneyland - Kristine's last time this year and got to see snow. Went back next day for pics at the castle and other places. Saw Aladdin with a different Jafar (ick)..but as always the genie saves the show.

f) David's going away - Hung out with the Ventura crew in Orange county for David's farewell. Not very far since he'll be in fullerton. Originally planned on dinner with Anny, but she wasn't feeling too well (get better soon). Dinner was fun, Borat (again), and chilling out at Tea station.

Gone till November
-Wyclef Jean


PMX is about 24 days away and things are quickly ramping up. We've announced our last GoHs and final preparations are in place. I'm looking forward to it...sorta. It has definitely been..well..yeah. I'm happy to be working with such a great set of people. Actual execution of things as opposed to talking about is gonna take a lot more work, but the experience has been fun.

I'd have to say my glory days of convention working were team SDF back in AX2001?. Since jumping into the "leadership" roles..its just more stressful and time consuming (sometimes welcomed, othertimes not). All my years with the VAC/Ohana family at AX were great (except 2004 when it wasn't with the full family). When i came back for 2006, it was ok. Fun cuz it was 344..but just being there wasn't the same. Lot of nice people still in AX...and some skeletons there too. I went to the staff dinner and felt pretty much...sad. This event had always been about the family...and they weren't there anymore.

Anyways, convention life has taken quite a lot out of me. July 4th BBQs and many weekends (the repeat of the kick ass Halloween party =/ ). My joy is in hanging out with friends, so for all those that have wondered where i have gone, please bear with me. I plan on making up for lost time after Halloween.

Maybe i just need to write it all down again...

Yo. Been crazy busy the last month and unfortunately getting overwhelmed to the point of wanting to just.....blahhh. I'm not one to give up so easy..so i'm just gonna kick back for a bit and just unload here in the blog.

The exchange class was cool. It was nice to actually sit up, interact, and learn something again. The hour long traffic drives were no picnic..but it actually wasnt' that bad. The pace of the class was good..from basic stuff to unique things. I'm still more of a self study type..but i think i just need that motivation to learn again. Unfortunately, now i'm getting some flack about what i "should have" learned from my boss. =/

PMX stuff was getting frustrating for me..since i was in a weird place. Last year as music, I was in charge of everything since there really wasn't much to my staff. Coordinating, contacting, tech...I at least knew what was going on. In programming, i've got sorta figurehead feeling, since i had a pre-exisiting staff and they were pretty good at what they were doing. Left me with not much to do. That and general frustration at all the talk without the action, and too many hoops.

A lot of that (PMX stuff) has settled away and i find myself better utilized in scheduling stuff. Getting some cool titles for the video rooms, so feeling better about things. Reg is finally up, though i worry it may be too late. Either way, i'll be glad when the event finally comes and passes. I'm looking forward to having fun...but i'll keep thinking about losing my Halloween house party (Martin stole it =p, but i'm looking to take it back next year). Feel distraught about missing out on hanging out with friends events (bdays, housewarmings, etc), so hoping to make up time after PMX/Halloween.

My parent's house is being torn apart. The renovation that would never happen...is finally happening. Unfortunately, most of us still don't know what exactly its going to look like. Been helping out to move things, and even spent the afternoon in the attic without a roof, but nice, quality time with family (albeit holding a 20ft ladder, planted on the back of a truck that is parked on an incline, is not that best way to spend time with your dad =p). Plus, cube looks pretty GQ in his new old navy polo.


Made it to the school carnival this past weekend. It was nice to see the changes and how the festival has grown. Had a burger and spent some time with my other mom (carol) and the new principal. It was a nice breath, taking me away from my everyday stresses. I had to go back and work on their network, but that afternoon was just nice, strolling in the sun.

Anyways..i ramble. I need to cut down my internet time and work more. Maybe i'll update this post (or add another) when i get some time.

Other things on my mind (for future blog)

a) Copper Repiping the house (man..i wish i could plant a money tree..cuz the house is a money pit)
b) still looking for roommate
c) Rando back in Cali..Kings game and Roscoe's afterwards was fun.
d) Once the repiping gets done, i can work on the lawn.
e) need to find fixtures.

Also
Happy Bday Ed, Kim, Al, princess kelly - miss ya, Maureen, Bonnie, Carlo, Bern and soon miko.
Was supposed to make it to vegas eventually, but guess that won't happen till Nov.

Sit up straight...
-mom

Who knew posture could make such a difference? Sitting on my a$$ all day tends to leave me in a slouched, "relaxed" position with definitely lets it all hang loose. Trying to keep the posture (and thereby appearance) straight as well as a couple other things, like not eating past 8 (except ice cream or cereal). Spending the time at 5r (with family) and 24hour fitness (with Alfred) has been pretty good. In fact, the link below was care of swim time with Alfred.

Need to slow down a bit. Been too busy that i had to cancel on my idea of going to Vegas with Alf and Brenda this weekend. Probably gonna head out end of Sept instead for Miko's bday. Either way, feeling a bit stretched out. Going to put in for vacation time with the office just to take a time out.

I am really proud though that I'm almost done with the St. Bernards website. Its my first web creation. (i'll link you after its done). In fact, they've been so great about everything. Karen is selling raffle tickets if you are interested. Cash Prizes =). Looking forward to going to it.

Well..this crazy week is almost over. Even with only 4 workdays, its been dragging. This weekend i'll be doing a housecall, possibly FPAC, pmx meeting? and maybe even Bday clubbing. Next week I'll be in training. Ugg..early mornings and trekking to El Segundo/LAX. I'm really gonna hate that traffic.

So..till next time.

Team Tiger AWESOME - 28 day slater (this was too funny). I think episode 2 is the best mama.

My Body is a Temple...
..unfortunately..the careperson is slacking off.

I think i've stabilized my weight..sitting ugly at about 190. According to Fitday puts me in the moderately overweight category. Been doing the 5r thing (skipping out the past few days due to injury), but not sure how much that is working. I'm not going to be drastic like my cousin and cut out rice (maybe cut down actually), but definately need to focus more.

I think my goal will also be about 20lbs. Puts me in the healthy weight category. Starting on Garland's Ab-lounge as well.

The bedroom has been reorganized. Thanks to Karen's idea, looks like a lot more room. Going to start focusing on doing more renovations and such. Garland cleared a good portion of the living room last nite, so may start looking for living room furniture soon. After that, may do some gatherings again...more relaxing themed like a wine/cheese nite.

September is here and PMX has made some major announcements for the Con. Music looks like fun and I'm glad Dig Jelly and especially Random Ninjas will be back. I'm pretty excited about it. Its been a long overdue, but seems like all the pieces are starting to fall into place now.

Been meaning to get out more and socialize, but finding it just more relaxing being at home with Karen and the babies (as seen in the radio flyer pic). Sad to think that Karen will be heading back to Massachusettes in January. Definately need to visit Disneyland more before it expires.

As far as socializing goes, been sucked into the World of Warcraft =p. Playing primarily with Ohana peeps and definately fun. Lot to learn about it, but i will definately take it in moderation as i've got enough on my plate.

Anyways..off to the gym. Have a good labor day weekend.

If i wasn't a celebrity...
-NSYNC

eh..had some time to post so figured i would. Minor updates.
a) weigh yourself in the morning. Its more accurate (samantha says) and since its usually less..u'll feel better. =)
b) thanks to the inspiration of my lil bear roland, I think i've conquered my fear of building websites. now just need to complete it.
c) switched to stop drinking sodas and such. Right now, mostly tea, gatoraid or water
d) although its almost a year...i have not really held thru to my "no drinking for a year" pledge. I realize its more a matter of self control than anything else, and we're all allowed to cut loose every once and a while. I'll admit there have not been any events like 30bday or halloween 2005. I'll need to plan for something, since it looks like Halloween2006 may not be at my place. Take home lesson - all in moderation.
e) need to get out more and find some adventures. Our 344 ventures still revolve around food runs (last nite-7/11), but nothing outrageous as of late.
f) tackled a big box of junk in my server room and about to make it over IKEA style.
g) Karen came up with some great ideas for the living room and bedroom, so hopefully i'll get to do some remodling and furniture buying soon.
h) once the rooms are presentable again, then i'll probably throw a dinner party or something.
g) picked this up online. Although i've don't really admit it..and somewhat irritated by, here it is: the Ross Geller connection.





here are the two i had to look up
Karolina Kurkova - supermodel (VS, Prada)
William Moseley - actor (chronicals of narnia)

the "matches" were pretty much based on the angle of your face in the pic, so i wouldn't hold much to it. I do have to say the David Schwimmer one has come up often enough. Course even in FRIENDS, i'd have to say i probably related to him the most. (*sigh* on the lobster/prom episode)

No posts...mainly because been keeping busy.

Trying to keep up with my personal resolutions..but for the most part things are going well.

I'd really have to do an update post to do it all justice, but here's a working list for you (or just for myself).

a) Rico's bday, but havent' gotten to see him yet. Hopefully this weekend.
b) My princess Kelly is in the boonies..but not before Garland and I made a run with her thru the garlic festival of Gilroy.
c) Happy Bday to Rozelle, Will and soon Dad.
d) More bdays for Jack, Aaron, Bren and Issac.
e) PMX music doing well, programming (me) on the lacking side.
f) Pushing the limits on my clothes, really need to lose weight for health and wardrobe sake.
g) Joined 5R, the Korean exercise machine. Working for my cousin, so now it has become a family event. Nothing hotter than Karen shaking her ass. (or the smile when she hula hoops)
h) Andy leaving next week for Ohio.
i) Cousin in Philly and now expecting his first child.
j) Karen and I are doing well...really well =).
k) Getting a bike and walking with the radio flyer
l) Seeing the Random Ninjas in Little Tokyo and feeling the love
m) Hanging out with Mark Barrios again. NOZAWA =)
n) Ventura County fair with Ohana. Waiting for Zoot Suit Riot, to only get told my sis that Big Bad Voodoo Daddies didnt' sing it. BBVD was great though..as well as the gravitron and the weird finish on the slides.
-negative - no deep fried twinkie/oreo.
o) Robinson-May closing - Got me some nice shoes and a deep fryer. (sad i remember when it was just May company and Robinsons)
p) Front room getting cleared, so hopefully some new furniture soon
q) Found way to get rid of bulky items
r) Checked out Bren and Ed's place in Ventura
s) Verizon nightmare at the school. But now its up at 3MB DSL
t) Bacalli with Law and Order
u) Karen's cooking
v) Cube has flies =( Need to improve his situation. Better after vet though.
w) Zencu sushi and learning the Gelacio's new language
x) Chester's Chinese with Jerry
y) Trying to check email only 3 times each day and getting more done in the office
z) need to write down new goals and get to it.


yeah..about halfway thru thought..hey..maybe i can make it up to Z to finish the alphabet of updating. Anyways..back to work. Stay tuned for more updates.

stagnating

Yeah..feeling it again. Odd to say when i'm always busy doing something...but as of late feeling like i'm being left behind. I need to catch up. Skills need improvement and updating. New thoughts, new ideas. Set goals and follow-thru.

rambling of sorts, but this is what gets my motor running.

As far as updates (sorry for lack of them),

Anime Expo was July 4th weekend. The event itself for Live Programming went pretty good. Not sure of my take on how it is now or where it is heading. Either way, going to keep my options open. I think my highlight of the weekend was the Robot rumble panel and all nite arcade.

Interfacing more with the school project, since i've basically been handed control of it. Doing some significant improvements and finding them money in different places (if you are a wamu customer and don't have a school for wamoola, please choose St. Bernards in Bellflower, Ca to help out)

PMX stuff is in gear..and looking forward to October. Been spending a lot of time with PMX peeps and catching up on movies (Pirates, Superman).

anyways, 'nuff talking. time to do things.

WORLD CHAMPIONS

Good Nite Michelle. (this one is for Brenda)



The illest Mofo in a cardigan sweater. hahah..too great. Just as good as Chappelle's Wayne Brady




Its summer...its hot...and YEAH!!! go Miami Heat!

Happy Father's day

yeah..i know its early...but this isn't really for my father either. (i'll have to think of something for when he comes back from hawaii)

This past weekend, i decided to be a "handy man" and do some more house related work. I've only done minor work, but this would be a more complicated task. The garbage disposal always "sounded" like it was working, but never seemed to work right. So saturday i ended up taking it out and apart to figure out what was wrong. Smelly was an understatement, as Karen surrounded me with various scented candles in the kitchen to combat the stench.
I didn't want this to get too complicated, and was hoping to just fix the current disposal, as i wasn't looking into spending more money i didn't have. well, after taking it apart, came to the realization the current one was not going to get fixed (plate harness was rusted out). The next day, i went to lowes and picked up a replacement unit. The part i worried about the most was connecting the electrical stuff. I actually handled that pretty well, but what i didn't expect was to have to go through and repipe the whole thing and as well as the difficulty in taking out the years old rusted parts. Thanks to alfred and my aunt's angle grinder, we were able to get it done.

before



After




I have to say, i would usually "run" to my dad to get help with house related tasks, but this experience proved to me that i was ready to handle these things on my own as well. Course, working around the house with Dad is always fun too.

In other news,
here is HG's father's day wishes. If you dont' know who Haado Gei is, you're in for a treat (maybe).


Also found this musician and had to order her album. Looking forward to listening to the instramental version of Linkin Park. Never thought classical music could be so hot =p (check the video)

Myleene Klass

Nite out on the town with Brenda and Alfred as well as some my drift car pic can be found on karen's xanga.


wow..lots of updates. Glad to look as if many things are going on in my life. Plus summer is here and the Miami Heat have evened the series!!! Yippeee

Recap Post
lots going on...so just gonna list whats been going on since the last update post on May 24.

Lasik - Jerry gets lasik and Karen takes care of him after the operation. Great dinner afterwards with Jerry in his Star Wars sunglasses.

AX Picnic - Ended up going to picnic alone and it was bittersweet. Thought it would be nice to come back and enjoy just hanging out with people, but came to realize there was no one there that i really wanted to hang with. People still had ego problems and everyone stayed in their lil cliques. Well, least the experience reminded me of why i do this stuff...mainly hanging out with friends. Sad to see you AX friends are no longer there.

FanimeCon - Right after the picnic i went to pick up Karen and Jerry for the drive to San Jose. My bro and sister are the chairs this year and i really wanted to go up and support them. Unfortunately, Jerry wasn't feeling up to the drive anymore as he wanted to just rest and recover...but our 6+ hour drive started. It may have been the last ride for my 91 civic, but she still drove like a dream. Even though there was a detour, we made it in time for MusicFEST. I was really impressed just seeing all the people as we searched for parking. The music was cool and it was nice to just relax and see donny again. The next day we walked through the con and ended up watching "Il Mare". I only got to catch samantha for a few minutes, but overall the weekend was good. We decided to avoid traffic and head back early, making it in timc for Mila's congratulation lunch.

Yard work - the past few weeks i've spent days cleaning up the yard. Much of it looking like a fire hazard, i've finally cleared out the front and middle lawns. Still debating on artificial lawn or replanting, but eventually gonna get it done.

Kelly going away - Unfortunately my princess is leaving california to head to grad school in Memphis. Before she goes away, 344 has joined her in a number of "you can't get this in Memphis" events. Morning Dim Sum and late nites at Pinks, i'm definately gonna miss her =(. Guess we'll have to look into trips to Graceland. Is there anything worthwhile to see in Tennessee?

Fast and Furious premiere - 344 were the press team for "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift" press junket at Universal studios this past sunday. Albeit an 9am start, Garland got to interview Justin Lin the director and both he and I got to ride in a drift car for the demonstration (dodge Viper). Free food and universal tickets were also part of the package, so we were able to also premiere the new Tokyo Drift portion of the tram ride (as well as return visit to Wisteria lane and the psycho house). The red carpet was fun as we saw a number of start Perry Shen, Roger Fan, Hammer, Bow Wow, John Cho, and many others. I even got to catch up again with Kaila Yu and finally got Aiko Tanaka to approve my myspace request =p. Painfully hot but hey, we're syndicated =p. J-Ent Podcast. We'll get to watch it this wednesday before it opens.

Radio Flyer - The timeless reminder of childhood and innocence, I bought a radio flyer wagon for Karen and I. Hard to believe we've been together for almost 2 years now. Its had its ups and downs, but we've made it through. I love you hunny.


The babies

Changes

I've been looking for ways to optimize my internet experience and wanted to get some opinions (not that i've gotten many comments in the past..but here goes).

As much as i realize i check my email frequently, I can't say i've been too happy with MSN/Hotmail (page is starting to lag). The new microsoft live hotmail is just like outlook so i'm really familiar with it and love the preview option. Also looking into RSS feeds. So here are my options and opinions.

Debating home page/email

MSN/Hotmail
+ been with hotmail forever. personal and "business" emails are there
+ comfortable with MSN front page for new and interesting content (usually)
- MSN Page is really lagging lately
- Layout gets boring when you check it frequently
/ haven't emailed much out of email accounts, so a change is possible.
- no search feature in hotmail

Yahoo/YahooMail
+ Number 1 website. Definite relability (as well as target)
+ Yahoo Mail is 2gb+ with (++)folder options.
+ already use yahoo groups options, TV, music videos.
+ fresh new layout
+ myYahoo has Rss feed integration.
- no preview option in email
- Never felt @yahoo would be really considered "professional". guess @hotmail seemed a lil bit better.
/ had used geocities off yahoo as well. But not active on it.
+ swwweet yahoo mail notifier

Google/Gmail
+ innovative and constantly creating new technology and services. Reliability again as well as target.
+ largest and most used search engine
+ gmail storage is constantly increasing
+ shared calendar and gtalk with IM service is interesting.
- don't really like the gmail interface or threading of emails.

Reviewing, i am sorta leaning towards yahoo. I think that google would be a good step forward as they are constantly improving their stuff, but yahoo seems to meet most of my needs. Anways, if you have any thoughts on it..let me know. Otherwise you may get an email soon saying its changed =p.

yeah..i'm alive.

Things have been ok. I kinda hate saying that cus although its true, makes my life seem to be more or less boring. Thats hardly the case, but i will admit it seems to be lacking a bit more excitement. So working to change things, but for right now, here's a minor update.

Vegas was great! - More of a family like event. Nothing crazy and mostly catching shows. Was able to see KA, V, X, and Fantasy. Kinda mix bag of family and "adult" oriented shows. The adult shows really wasn't really all that. If i wanted TnA, i would have hit a strip club. Overall though it was a great weekend with the ohanna group. (unfortunately missed seeing my princess kelly)

My bday/Mother's day - Yeah..it happens every so often, but again this year my bday was trumped by mother's day. I'm thankful for the people that remembered and tried to plan something. Basically just wanted to enjoy a day at the beach and eat fresh crab (at Redondo Beach), so rather than doing it on sat, we decided to combine it with mother's day festivities. Fortunately my mom made it back from SJ in time, and my cousins and I treated my mom and aunts to a day at the beach. Not much of a bday waiting in line and traffic for food...but thankful for family.

Tony's going away - One nite we all just came together to chill with Tony before he headed out to Vegas. It was casino nite, of craps and texas hold'em. Good preparation before he goes for his test in Vegas. Gonna miss him at cousin dinners.

Return of the Kuya - well..my biggest surprise this month was the call from my own Kuya..kuya zandy. He's one of my "pair" cousins, being older than me by exactly 1 month. Well he gave me a call to wish me a belated bday. Rather random since he hardly/never does that, but great thing since i learned that he has immigrated back to the US. His wife is a nurse and recently transferred to Philly. Now he's back and looking to visit soon california. He asked me to come out to Philly, but we'll have to see if i can pull that one off.

Anyways..much in the works..as well as general house stuff.
Spent a whole day actually cleaning up my yard and getting in "tune" wth my garden. Now have to decide how to landscape it.

Also need to increase the physical activity level. Even so starting to look into diet plans.

3 days till vegas...

and i'm actually getting really excited about it now. Bought myself a ticket to KA and looking forward to just hanging out with everyone. Updated my wishlist if anyone is actually thinking of getting me something, but for the most part..things are just looking good overall. Just need to pack tonite and get things together.

VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS.

actually more like..


YEAH WEEKEND FUN! (i'd prob have fun with the same people anywhere we'd go)

wishlist

Welcome May...

its been a busy month, but things are starting to look really good.

The trip to boston was great and OMG..i still can't stop thinking about the food (the lobster). My bosses were pretty happy with me and they are even thinking of me for the DC office. Not sure if i want to make that move.=/ I'm pretty satisfied with where i am now, just need to motivate myself to do better and improve my skills.

On that note, i also just need to just finish things. I had been spinning my wheels trying to learn dreamweaver, photoshop and all other programs to "update" my website while Karen went out found a myspace skin and set up my whole myspace account in a day. It looks great =). All my unfinished projects (the website, the house, the lawn, my room) some legitiamately waiting for things, while others just a thorn in my side.
(note: I started this post on april 29.ugg)

As far as the no drinking thing, even with the opportunity/excuse to go "wild" with coworkers in boston (originally indicated as one of my drinking exceptions) i found i didn't have a sit. I think getting older is making me turn in my crazed nites of shots and hard liquor to more relaxing evenings of sipping martinis. Even with my bday coming up, not planning anything crazy (or anything at all really). Course the borg sphere at Vegas this weekend will likely make up for it all.

As far as actually completing stuff, just recovering today from a major stomach ache this weekend. It may have been the kalbi hot dog (that i think was out too long) or the 8 snickers poppers that i had on the ride home, but needless to say all day Sunday was spent in a psuedo hang over. So today i cleaned up the kitchen and bathroom as well as making plans for various house renovations. On that note, also completed the refinancing of the house, to hopefully make the house more affordable especially with rising interest rates.

Other great news, Karen is walking without the crutches again (since her sprain a few weeks ago) and i love my family. Just spending time with my cousin who just came to the US from the Philippines, my aunt's bday, and just the overall family. Mila has gotten a nursing job and Kristine just passed her drivers test. =) I'm also happy that the ohana family is also coming together again, as we had a great bbq and poker nite this weekend.

I'm back!...and back to work =(

Will post soon. Until then, here is the myspacey link.

www.myspace.com/raywarriner

realizations

*Transcribed from paper composed while sitting at chili's (Boston) for dinner.

So Boston, here i am. After 3.5yrs working for my company and many years of childhood wonderment, i have finally made it to Boston. Did you know that I almost went to school here and even almost moved here due to my father's work. This place is practically my father's second home ,being that most of my childhood i heard he was always away "in Boston". His travel sparked my interest in the Boston Tea Party as well as much of Revolutionary history. So...to be here has been somewhat a joy, but mostly it has given me a number of realizations. (some trivial, most meaningful)

*Home is where the heart is. I'm missing Karen, my family, and my friends.
*Boston is a walking state. After a quick tour of the city speedwalking with my boss, my legs were cramped and tired.
*I'm fat. Besides my obvious bulge *sigh*, my director's first words to me were "you've gained weight." That plus similar comments from coworkers, my obvious pain from the walk (above), the fact that i actually fit in size 34waist pants, instead of getting it for extra room in the crotch -> all point to the fact that I'm out of shape.
*I love Karen. If circumstances were right, I'd be married to her and we would never have to leave each other.
*Boston is a beautiful city and yes the food is terrific. Even the Chili's is great (maybe cuz i ordered the shrimp).
*Even surrounded by all this history, i realize all cities are pretty much the same. Tokyo, Boston, LA, SF, New Orleans. We're all just people trying to live day to day (just under different weather conditions).
*I eat slow. Also I hate eating alone.
*(c/o Martin) You never know who you'll meet when you talk to a stranger. . I'll talk more about this in a later post.
*I've been told I have great penmenship skills for an IT guy.
*My life can be considered boring, but I'm happy with it.
*The Westin Copley Place's wake up call policy is that they call you once...and if you don't pick up...leave u a message and call security to come to your door to wake you up. Crazy...and i was still late to work.
*I'm in a "high-class" hotel, but the rooms are crap and only the candles in the lobby are cool.
*Did i mention that I LOVE KAREN...oh yeah...i did. But worth mentioning again.
*Red Sox Nation: Boston loves their Red Sox. Its like Raider Nation but its the whole state.
*I work with great people in Boston, but i'm happy with my set up in Pasadena.
*Food can make me sick (but there is always room for ice cream).
*I find it difficult at times to grasp the obvious. Many times i feel really stupid. I do feel that i can sympathize better than most people (terrible with facts, easier with feelings).
*There is no place like home. There is no place like home.
*I can't finish a molten lava cake on my own (wish someone was here to share).

I could go on..but my stomach ache from the lava cake is forcing me to go home and take a nap. Should be an exciting end of the week.

Wed - Duck tour and Sushi with the bosses
Thur - Red Sox game at Fenway
Sat - Historic tour of Lincoln with Dad.

Resistance is futile - All your base are belong to us



I've tried to fight it for sometime now...but seems like i can't compete.=p

1) Since i have recently "won" an Ipod Nano (thanks to my friends), my battle against using Itunes or apple products has gotten a severe setback. I never cared for the idea of using proprietary software, thereby forcing you to use it in order to use the product...but yeah...the nano would definately help keep me motivated at the gym. I just need to see if i can upgrade it to a 4gb version, since i already have a 1gb mp3 player. That being said, i've also been toying with the idea of a macpro or just an intel mac mini. Since i'm into networking, being able to play with the software would definately be helpful. Thing is, i've always felt the apple put out better products, its just that they aren't economical for most businesses.

2) Ugg..myspace. Its crazy to believe how much of a phenomenon this network has become. Actually scary to hear people at Ralphs taking camera pictures and saying "OMG, that is going on my Myspace." Anyways, i already have a friendster profile i hardly update and never liked the crappy coding of myspace (leaving u wide open for exploits)....but...after PMX last year and learning about many of the bands there, been thinking about using it to keep up with their performances. That and karen's push for me to get one or she'll make me one, i guess i'll have to extend my online presence to Myspace. (Who knows, it could look like Melwould =p)

3) Not drinking for a year. - Honestly, i've been keeping that one pretty well. I indicated that i would have a couple exceptions (which i never stated what they would be) but seems i can pretty much toss that resolution out the window as well. Orginally, only planned on breaking the vow for the following reasons.
a) Karen and Garland's Bday (past) - drank 1 JD wine cooler. Pretty tame.
b) My bday (maybe)
c) If i ever go to Boston with my coworkers (since that hardly ever/never happens, figured i'd break the rule if i get out there).

well..guess what.

Bday plans
- Vegas May 5-7. Very likely drinking then, including the all important Warp Core Breach at the Hilton.
- Possible BBQ or something (hopefully not to the level of Tokyo Delves last year).


And even more unbelieveable, I'm finally going to Boston. One of my coworkers has left and they needed someone for coverage at the corporate office. I'll be out there April 10-15, and thinking of extending it a bit to visit more of the area. Been needing a vacation, so extending this work travel could give me some time off in historical town i only know from my dad's traveling gifts.

So..overall...not too bad. ;).
I'll let you know the myspace info and other stuff when i figure it out.

You put your right foot in, you take your right foot out
you put your right foot in, and you shake it all about....
Yup...you do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around. Thats what its all about =p.

Recent events have reminded me about the simple pleasures in life. We start off with the 344 sleepover. With Garland and Karen's birthdays being both in the month of February and my current obsession with creative themed events, we decided that we'd bring it back to the days of the slumber party. Now granted, we didn't actually think that people were gonna sleep over, so that turned out to be a fun bonus. Sushi platters and hawaiian bread sandwiches were served with much alcohol for the birthday babies. It was a nice intimate gathering, where we played Dirty Minds, Twister, Karaoke revolution and fell asleep watching the shogun of harlem (Barry Gordy's The Last Dragon). The next morning we followed up with sum yum yum dim sum and capped a great weekend.

Recently, i went to help out a friend cable his network at work. While the job to do was typical, it was the company of friends that made the day memoriable. The highlight of the evening, the cut throat game of monopoly. We played speed rules, but with that the tensions ran high. I don't think in all my years of playing, i've had as much fun as i did that nite. I also discovered Rasberry tea latte at Coffee Bean that nite. That was an additional plus.

In the day to day world, i get caught up in a lot of things. Work, finances, stress..sometimes it drives me out of my mind. I don't like to get surprised by things. I plan things out, make preparations, be ready for the inevitable....(holding breath)..
so yeah...its really nice to be able to just step back some times and let things happen. These recent events...reminding me of times long ago...when it was ok to run out in the sprinklers in my swimtrunks. (and honestly, i would probably still do that today).

thanks.
You are all BEAUTIFUL.