Sean (Robin Williams) - Do you have a soul-mate?
WILL (Matt Damon) - Define that.
SEAN - Someone who challenges you in every way. Who takes you places, opens things up for you. A soul-mate.
--Good Will Hunting

Challenging myself to doing new things, I've decided to create "the list". As commonly called, "things to do before i die" or something to that regard, I've decided to list a number of things that i would like to do for myself.

Readers and friends are more than invited to participate with me if you may be interested. This list will also be on going.

The List

a) M class license (before May 2008)
b) Go to a gun range
c) learn to surf (already have an instructor/friend/coworker)-Summer
d) re-learn to snowboard (already have an instructor/coworker)-Winter
e) Travel: Spain, Italy, China, Philippines, Japan, Asia Pacific, others
f) Complete house plans (already have contractor. need to get plans to architect)
g) buy a new car - (possible December time frame or sooner)
h) Pursue graduate degree - (Looking at Management degrees)


As you can see, some of it is already in the works.

I'm a movement by myself, but I'm a force when we're together...



(more substantial posting stuff coming soon...or when i feel like it.)

Also...go CAVS! We Are all Witnesses.

Look out weekend cuz here i come...

Just returning from a weekend with family in Vegas. Had a blast and saw my cousin who i haven't seen for about 10 years, his wife and especially my newest nephew Keithley William Sam.



It was nice to get away and take things into perspective and reflect on changes in my life. On the way out, had a great meal at my now favorite casino (Red Rock) and helped the family win some money on the craps table. =)

If that wasn't enough...heading back to vegas again this weekend for the ohana trip. Still deciding on a show (la reve, LOVE, ?) and what we're going to do, but it doesn't matter because we'll have a fun time.

Raymond Francis Warriner
May 14, 1975
11:18PM - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Santa Barbara County
9 lbs 2oz, 21.5 inches


May 14, 2007
11:18PM - Monterey Park, Los Angeles County
190 lbs, 6ft

Family, friends, 2 long term loving relationships, 1991 Civic from high school, owning home across from Grandma/Lola's home, where i grew up and spent most of my childhood.

Catholic born and raised, parochial school (even Lutheran) till graduating high school, only occasionally go to mass now. Personal religion\belief is just be good to people.

Two college degrees, multiple computer certifications, haven't been out of work since college (knock on wood), some light travel, work not terribly stressful. Great coworkers, good opportunities, trusted and relied upon.

Columbian Squires, Boy Scouts, Knights of Columbus, Alpha Phi Omega - (UCR, UCLA, UCI, Section 1), Lambda Chi Alpha, Anime Expo, Ventura Anime Club, Pacific Media Expo and Ohana. Blogger, Xanga, Friendster, Myspace, facebook, and AIM.

Growing up my family use to extend around the hub of monterey park. We lived in Downey, Montebello, and us the furthest in San Bernardino. Now we're even more so with a small group of us still in Montebello\Monterey Park, but now extending to Cerritos, San Diego, Las Vegas.

I'm thankful for my parents, my brother and sister. I appreciate my aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. I'm glad to have my health and the ability to wake up each morning and see the beauty in each day. I've touched many lives and have learned from all those i have met.

32 years...its been quite a run...yet I still feel like there is so much for me to do and see. Onward and Carpe Diem!

Quotes

To know oneself is to study oneself in action with another person.

Art is an expression of life and transcends both time and space. We must employ our own souls through art to give a new form and a new meaning to nature or the world.

-looking inward towards self improvement-

Cut the Cheese
Got the call from the doctor today.

Physically everything looks good, just my cholesterol is a bit high. Need to be more consitant at the gym and watch my diet.

bye bye double double animal style. (ok..maybe not totally good bye)
I already miss you =(

I wanna learn this to play this on the piano. The first clip is beautiful while the bottom clip is just cute. I need to get off my emo self but felt this was a good marking point for me.




Cat And Mouse
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

Softly we tremble tonight,
picture perfect fading smiles are all that's left in sight,
I said I'd never leave you'll never change
I'm not satisfied with where I'm at in life.

Am I supposed to be happy?
When all I ever wanted, it comes with a price.
Am I supposed to be happy?
When all I ever wanted, it comes with a price.
You said, you said that you would die for me….

We made plans to grow old,
believe me there was truth in all those stories that I told.
Lost in a simple game cat and mouse are we the same people as before this came to light?

Am I supposed to be happy?
when all I ever wanted, it comes with a price.
Am I supposed to be happy?
with all I ever wanted, it comes with a price.
You said, you said that you would die for me…

You must live for me too'...
For me too...yeah, yeah…
You said that you would die for me…

Am I supposed to be happy?
with all I ever wanted, it comes with a price.
Am I supposed to be happy?
when all I ever wanted, it comes with a price
You said, you said that you would die for me...

Keeping busy...

May 12 - Tokyo Delves for Family Bdays
May 13 - Mothers Day
May 14 - Well..busy at work
May 15 - Karen comes back
May 18-20 - Visit Kuya Zandy, Mimi and baby Kiwi in Vegas
May 25-27 - Ohana Vegas Trip

Missing a different time...hoping its all in my mind.
The sun is shining again...hoping for a better days ahead.

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Click the "read my visualDNA" for the descriptions. They were mostly correct. Seems like a number of my choices had a similar theme. I feel like my biological clock is ticking =/


edit: article on male biological clock.

Full House =)

These past 2 weeks have definitely made up for the crappy weekend I was having on April 14-16. Thank you for all those that inquired about me and were concerned. It was disappointing but we struggle and make it through.

On to the better days (and news):

A) The house is full again (sorta). My new roommates (starting in May) have started moving in and it looks like its gonna be good. They are a great couple that I met through Random Ninjas and i'm expecting much random fun to be had.


B) The house is also full of laughter as my game cube has become the center of family fun. Learning about the mario party series from Brenda, I've since gone and picked up mario party 4-7, all of the series that works for game cube. Almost nightly, we've gone thru and challenged each other to collect as many stars as possible. The best part is even my aunts are getting super involved in the game, as you can probably hear the laughter and yelling throughout the house.


C) Star Wars - Thanks to one of my coworkers, Garland and I got tickets to the California Science Center and checked out Dinosaurs 3D and Star Wars exhibit. It was a really cool event. I saw the cutest thing of some kids dressed as jedi (one as leia) running around the museum courtyard. As one kid fell, I noticed the other one was using a Jedi Force push =p. ok..you just had to be there, but really it was great. The exhibit as interesting and informative..and we also hit up the rest of the Science center. I remember growing up that it was the place were you could see baby chicks being hatched..and now so many years later, I'd come to see it.


D) Return to Tokyo Delves - Very much needing an escape, my friend Joe M's bday at TD was a welcome event. I've been really lucky that i have never had a bad time at TD and this time was no different. It was definitely a great time. Too sober since it was a 6pm show, but they've changed their program and it suits it well (footloose is gone, 80s Revivial now). Garland and I carried most of the weight of partying (oh man..no pun intented...better get back to the gym) and everyone, especially the birthday boy, enjoyed.


Many things to come...
Aunt's bday Sat
Cube to groomers on Sat
Spiderman IMAX and Pirates in May
Vegas in May (likely twice)

Until next time =)

yup..the car is off the ground.


Missing my hunny bunny. May 15 is coming soon.

Its times like these when you realize
how alone we are in the world

New Design

Long needed, but i finally sat down and edited the blog template. Wasn't really how i envisioned it, but until I learn web page design better, it will have to do. I hated how the commenting system i used was very inconsistent, but since I used one of bloggers standard templates, i've tied into their system. Added Karen and Garland to the link list, and took out some non updating links. The new blogger template is pretty straight forward on editing so adding links and updating won't be so painful

Wow - the month of march has been so busy, almost went without posting. There was one time in the past where I went without posting for a month. Weird to think it was also March (of 2003).

Anyways, most of the busy time was due to work. Past few weeks have been working out an auditing task from my boss as well as catching up with project work. Things are slowly starting to sort themselves out at the office as well as home. At home, cleared out the carport area and got the landscaper to come thru on the sprinklers and clean the jungle that was once my backyard. Now that that weather is getting better, hoping to get my own hands dirty, clearing out some growth and planting things. (as well as repainting those end tables).


Karen was gone for most of the month, so Garland and I made a mess of the house, but I definitely cleaned up before her visit for spring break. It was great to have her back. Picked her up from the airport, hung out with the Ventura people, got foot massages from Mandarin only speaking Chinese people (and it was only my hunny who chatted with them), gambled at an Indian Casino, baked a cake =p, dim sum with friends and overall general good times. Saw pics of her new brother and he's just too adorable. (also saw pics of her HOT spring break in miami =p). oooh baby, I sooo love her. *muah*


Spent the later part of this month on two personal projects. One a work project, while the other a toiling personal project. Hopefully both will come together in the end (yes Jerry..hopefully this year).

Attended Anny and Mark's wedding. It was a beautiful ceremony and great location (I had actually been there once with Kelly for her professor's wedding). Was able to visit with many friends I haven't seen in a long time. Glad to see they are alive, but i guess people have just gone about their own ways. I had a great time with good food, alcohol injected strawberries, and sharing in Mark and Ann's love and commitment.


*ok.maybe i didn't want to share =p*
Garland and I are still hitting the gym. Thanks to the movie 300, we just push ourself saying "THIS IS FOR SPARTA". Other than that, glad the cold weather is quickly changing for the warmer weathers of Spring and soon Summer.


Miss you hunny bunny

Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii - NOT

The last time i had a gaming system...was my PS1, modded for japanese and CD-R games..i haven't really missed it. I've played some games on the computer (battlefield, sometimes WOW) but again, find that I'm not really much of a "gamer". Sports games or competition stuff are more my style.

Well, the past few times I've had dinner with my cousins (O'Dells and Brenda), we've ended up playing Nintendo Gamecube. First it was Mario Double Dash and Mario Tennis while we were in vegas. It was as much a family sharing event as our game nights where (board games). When we got back, it was Mario Party 8. That game was a lot of fun.

So...i thought about it. Figured, A Wii would be the way to go. Not only would it play newer Wii games, but also was backward compatible for Gamecube. Finding one would be the next issue, but fortunately i was able to try one out at Brenda's. For the most part it was fun. Bowling was great, Tennis seemed a little weird (since you don't "run" to the ball, and Boxing was definitely cardio inducing. I think i want one......but maybe not now. $250 is still pricey (not as much as the $600 PS3), but figured there aren't enough games for wii yet that would warrant me getting one. Ugg..the thought of buying games again would definitely dent the home improvement budget. Then it hit me.

Since wii is out, people must be unloading their gamecubes. That plus even the backward compatible games on the Wii will require gamecube controllers. Well...i jumped back into a wonderful (addicting) world of Ebay and fortunately found something to my liking. For about $100, i picked up a platinum gamecube, wired and a wireless controller, mario double dash, and some Resident Evil games. Not bad i figure. Then i found Mario Party 8 and mic for $46 shipped. I'm going to start checking out GameStop now for some used games, but now Nintendo has joined the PS2 for classic 344 game time =).

As if it was still New Year...actually...(since my last update)

Happy Lunar New Year and Valentines day as well!

Lack of updates because i've actually been pretty busy and just living life. Its only been a month and a half into the new year...but lots going on.

a) Karen is back at school at Smith College. There were some issues with her return (housing and roommates), but now things are going well. Thanks to webcams and the past year plus together, the distance is not as hard as it was year one.

b) My spare room situation is in limbo. The friend that was supposed to come in Dec has not been able to finalize his situation..leaving the room still open. Some other options are coming up, but pretty soon going to hit up craigslist.

c) Spent a week in Houston for work before Karen left. Was hoping she would have been able to come with me, but actually glad she didn't. The weather was horrible and i was stuck indoors the whole time. While it still would have been nice to have her with me, the fact that my family/cousins were going out to dinner with karen, spending time with her, or karen visiting the aunties made me happy to know how much a part of the family she is.

d) Watched Pirate show with the guys and chilled out at bikini tea. Also had a PMX bbq that weekend. Note to self: Singing pirates are totally gay (i believe some of them were) ...and no bbqs in the cold of january. Garland and I did get to break in our heelys.

e) Sushi dinner with Mark. Karen has now fallen in love with Nozawa and his tuna sashimi.

f) Cousin and his wife just gave birth to a son named Kiwi (Keith William Sam 2/7/07).

g) Passing of and aunt-in-law in vegas (2/6/07).

h) Aunt in San Dimas having medical issues. Doing ok now.

i) Parents home in Cerritos just about done with renovation.

j) Got haircut. Normally wouldn't need to announce that..but followed Rico's advice and went with a "5" all around. It was ehh. A lot shorter than i usually care for. It was ok..but not really my style. As it grows out..may try for a faux hawk.



k) Started watching Heroes at Rozelle's place. Its ok...Just haven't caught up in all the hype.

l) Been working out with Garland in the evenings. Thank goodness for 24hour fitness. Usually 30min treadmill, 30min elliptical, then something different each day. Going to start weights soon..but the activity is definitely good.

m) Welcomed the newest member to our family. For Valentine's day, adopted a Pygmy Elephant via a donation to World Wildlife Federation.


The new baby elephant plush is on its way too =)


Upcoming things

a) Garland's bday 2/16.
b) Ghost Rider and Dave and Busters this sat.
c) Karen's bday on Tues 2/20.
d) Clipper game with Clint on Tues as well
e) Bachelor party in Vegas Feb 24

Happy New Years! Welcome 2007!

Ahh..good news, good news. Got moved into my new office and its pretty darn sweet. Once i get everything settled, I'll post pics of it. The full white board is keeping me better organized and on track with things. Looking forward to a great year!

Things were really intense with hosting the family Christmas party this year and then a few days later the NYE event...but overall things went well.

Christmas - Things turned out great. The food was delicious (Prime rib, pork chops, tamales, mash potatoes, trifle) too much to remember since i went into food coma. Unlike some of our Christmas of the past, we were able to eat all together in one room, and i tried to keep the TV viewing to a min (until we had to play A. Bing's new DVD). Everyone was in conversations and overall just enjoying each others company.

NYE - I really worried about this party..maybe not enough. Its was stressful, thinking i had to relive/top the halloween party of 2005. The idea was cool (may use it again sometime), but the timing was just off. Right after xmas and travelling and such, doesn't seem to be a good time for a house party. Regardless, it was a fun evening.


garland's decoration of the game room

Jello Shots 20s Style. Check out the cool threads and the Newsie

Gambling Family Style

The Asian Bonnie and Clyde

New Years Pacardy Style. That game is intense!


oh..almost forgot. Anny..u asked for sparklers..couldn't find it. But did find some of these =)


ooohhh..check out my spats thanks to the strobe light flasher. Man..that was the best part of my night was that costume.

From: Karen and Ray

To our Dearest Friends,

Ray and I would like to send you our warm holiday greetings and wish for you and your family a successful New Year. In this past year we celebrated our two year anniversary of dating and report that we intend on celebrating a third.

The house is coming together in terms of design and decoration, as we started on a few home improvement projects such as the bathroom remodeling, re-piping and putting in window treatments, yet we realize there is still more to be done to modernize the 50-year old home we have. The 344 house changed its occupants as Annette left, and Rando followed after her taking over the spare bedroom. Garland continues to live with us and we continue to enjoy our home-cooked meals and late-night food runs together. Garland has also rekindled our love for PS2, playing Spiderman, Katamari, and Karaoke Revolution.

Ray is still working in I.T.S. network managing with CRA International. The company has expanded its office and fortunately has hired more ITS staff to support Asia-Pacific. Things have been busy but well, as there were even talks of maybe a managerial position in the future. But even more importantly, he's moving out of his 4 year-old cubicle for an office later this week.

I'm returning to the East Coast to finish my degree this coming January, thus ending my sabbatical away from Smith College. Ray and I are both excited and concerned for my move. I am changing my concentration from a double major in Engineering and Psychology to perhaps a double major in Geophysics and Astronomy, yet keeping with my goals of studying Urban Planning & Development.

Much of the year was spent at the wonderful world of Disneyland with our now expired annual passes that we purchased last Christmas. Ray is unhappy with the bump we call his belly, and has decided to add to his 2007 resolution more activity at the gym. I see it as more to love. We didn't leave the state much. We found day trips to Camarillo, San Jose, Fresno, the OC, and San Diego to visit friends and family were much more enjoyable. On other days, Ray appreciates my piano practicing, playing tennis together, spending time with our family and friends, and general pimpin'.

Ray wants me with to end with a quote from Aladdin, "Beeee yourself," however, I've learned you can't listen to Ray all the time. =p In the great words of the lyric genius and writer, P.G. Wodehouse, "As we grow older and realize more clearly the limitations of human happiness, we come to see that the only real and abiding pleasure in life is to give pleasure to other people." Happy Holidays.



With Love,
Karen Ngo & Raymond Warriner

-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.