gotta get away?



Heading off to Costa Rica. Tagging along on my coworker's trip, but looking forward to getting a new perspective on things. Just the short itinerary of the trip.

Arenal (3 days) - next to the volcano. Hike/Hot Springs, Rapids, Canyoning.

Monteverde (2 days) - Ziplining and Rainforest Canopy tour.

Montezuma (1 day) - Black sand beach and possible snorkeling.

Hoping for lots of pictures for when i get back. See you next month.

Whoa oh oh!






and in other news...we're number one in the WEST!!!

Thoughts....

"But really the reason why they (people) are attracted to each other is because they each have what the other person lacks. Put these two apparently opposite things together, and they make a whole, complete, well-rounded entity.

In human relationships, opposites attract, but there has to be some area of likeness in the two forces that makes it so that they stick together." -comment

"As long as you want it so bad, it's not going to happen - the only way it's gonna work is if it doesn't matter . . . " -Wristcutters: A love story

Finding Peace
Ok..maybe i'm not completely at peace, but its nice to be able to look at things with new eyes and realize how important and actually unimportant things are. I am thankful and I am blessed to have everything i have in life...and as far as those earlier things...i sometimes just look and laugh to myself. In the end..i'm feeling really good.


"When I was a child I spoke as a child I understood as a child I thought as a child; but when I became a man I put away childish things." I Cor. xiii. 11

Some brief updates in my oh so-so life.

I've gotten to mental on this whole dating relationship phase. Just about to give up on pretty much everything. I've been told i'm a rare find...guess the ones i'd like to meet just aren't looking or willing to take the chance. Its not worth the stress right now.

Speaking of relieving stress, try to pick me and my cousin out of these videos.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7USm6zy_s-U
http://www.mefeedia.com/entry/pillow-fight-l-a/7354985/

Otherwise, did a whirlwind trip to vegas for a secret celebration with fun times in Walnut afterward. Inspired me to try to get into more woodworking.

Completed my M1 class test and now have my new license. Another pic for about 4 more years.

Plans with architect are almost finalized. Looking to be a Summer construction. I may be homeless on my birthday.
Tell me what you like better Gable or Hip? Still working on a mixed design.

St. Patty with my Irish family =p


Easter with family, then a special laker game with my Aunt.


Cerritos family coming over to visit for an nice evening. Returned the gesture with a visit to TGIF Cerritos =p. Parents still too busy.


Tried Snowboarding again. still not getting it. I may try Skiing next season.


Hiked up Echo Mt with cousin, her coworkers and garland. It was nice to get out and do something.


Sometimes i wish i could just scream.....

Trying to find the right environment for me.
Personal turmoils, a few restless nights, seeking an inner peace and not sure how to find it. Hopefully when things around me start settling down, things will get better.

Recent visit from friends from my past making me wonder...why can't i be happy?

Still seeking my passion....well..my passion is people. Unfortunately its a passion you can't pursue on your own.

There are only four questions of value in life, Don Octavio
What is sacred?
Of What is the spirit made?
What is worth living for?
And What is worth dying for?

The answer to each is the same.
only Love

-Johnny Depp, Don Juan de Marco

Swoon....



Ok, I'm not that big a nerd/geek..but this girl just says it all. Hawt! =)

Ok..now for something different....
I'm pretty new to this dating thing, and even more so to the "rules" of online dating. I guess i've been fortunate that my past relationships happened naturally. Mutual attraction/interest, casual outings that led to deep and long term relationships (about 3 years for both). I'm probably pretty lucky to say that I'm still on good terms with my exes and if asked, they probably would say good things about me.

However, since my breakup last year...the natural thing just hasn't happened. I blame it on the lack of new social outlets. Its not college anymore and the whole work or church (when i decide to go again) just hasn't sustained. I thought a dating site would be a good thing, at least for me to be more proactive and get to know people. Unfortunately, me being "proactive" has, in retrospect, branded me as too bold and overall brazen (Oh geez, i actually asked people out to coffee before chatting with them). So far i've been reprimanded by one, comforted by another, and pretty much ignored by most. To each his own i guess but oh well.

I guess its just tough, actually somewhat sad, since it reflects much on today's society and general distrust. Talking with friends, sifting through these journals about guys that are players and jerks, girls who are "looking" yet never reply and general "bad news" when people transition from online to in person...obviously that would make one second guess taking chances. Why should they, when they are comfortable at home alone, in front of the computer, browsing this site?

Unfortunately, its in taking chances that one can achieve things. So that is something i will continue to do. Maybe not so much on meeting online, but going out (even more than i do now) to watch live bands, actually dance at clubs, explore new restaurants and general "just plain living". =)

So..see you all around. If you ever want to come along, just let me know.

Sometimes i forget...

I always figured an invite to coffee/tea would be the best approach. Its fairly casual, allows for conversation, validation of who you are talking to, inexpensive, public area, and non-invasive to one's personal space. You're only really giving of your time and learning about a person.

I guess i forget how scary the "online" world can be for some people until i got a response from someone. Of course i only had good intentions, but that doesn't always translate well via views on the profile or a message. My apologies for those that may have been taken offense to this "direct" approach. If you prefer another method (message/IM) to get to know each other, i'm game.

Guess it can be a double edged sword at times. As much as i may wish my potential relationship with would somehow "find" me waiting here, my choices are either wait or just be proactive meeting people, gaining friends, and making connections. Right now, I've decided to take it into my own hands and do the searching. For those women that do take the same chances and message, IM someone, I applaud you. I'm actually attracted to strong women =).

Interesting huh, I'm not interested in the woman that needs me, more so the woman that challenges me and makes me a better man. My take on relationships is that they are a mutually shared experience, each person their own...but gaining by association.

False Pretenses and Dating*

So i was talking to this girl the other day about approaches to dating. Not sure if i'd like to call it the limits of the English language and how loaded* words can get, but i basically gave her my approach.

When i meet/date* (another loaded word) people, i want to get to know them. For me it starts out as friends and as i get to know them better, it could gradually become something romantic (if the spark is there). I just stay true to myself and see if any feelings come out of the interactions. If not, then in the end at least i have made a friend.

Her response is that she has a different approach to someone she is dating, rather than one she is just friends with. She said, in her words "i'm a different person when i date". Of course you can imagine the type of reaction i got when i said i just wanted to be friends* first (again..loaded language). Now while i can understand her approach, i just don't necessarily agree with it.

I AM a romantic guy. I like to go all out with candle light and fancy dinners, flowers, candy, etc....all seems pretty cliche actually when you write it down, but that is what she was looking for. I would love to spoil my partner with everything...but i would have to get there emotionally first. Its not something you can really achieve on the first meeting. Anything otherwise would be fake for me and unfortunately raise the girl's expectations. what happens after the honeymoon eh?

Anyways, what are we all here on this dating site for? Its safer than craigslist and a bit more focused than myspace/facebook. I'm sure we didn't expect ourselves to be looking for people in this manner, but the state of the world today with technology and reality TV, pretty much everyone is at home on their asses in front of some glowing screen. Plus..we're all a bit thrifty to shell out for the pay sites, or avoidant since it would be the final admission that we are stuck in a rut.

I don't message unless i'm interested. For me to get interested, there would have to be something about you. Typically it's in the eyes, a keen fashion sense, witty repertoire, sincere smile or just that certain something. After my attempt, i leave it to fate.

Probably gonna try a blind date site..where at least people just want to actively do something.

-touched by my angel-



she said when we met, i brought her closer to God
It was because of us, i turned away from Him
now she has called to me, to join me on my walk
to me...she never left.

Feb 15-18

Friday
hellish day at work. required to work over the 3-day weekend
coffee date ok'd =)
headed home late and tired, on to sneaking garland out for surprise
dinner with family and friends at curry house on sawtelle.
much love to Chris h and Elsa for skipping movie to be with us
Garland surprised and happy about computer
Mark still mark
Chris still wearing red thing around his neck.
Good times.
Shopping at Japanese store. Picked up BumbleBee and Optimus Prime
hot grass jelly with red bean and almond jello
Sitting at volcano till midnite.
Garland wish "Well, it already came true."

Saturday
Headed down to Lake Forest for Christine's OhanaPraise
while waiting, crazy cousin pics at the religious compound (lov ya Roz)
My ex is still pretty. I've been very lucky with my relationships - attractiveness-wise.
Roz's first time at fuddruckers and BevMo
missed connections with anny and mark - feel better soon sweetie
missed connections with kim
left my paperwork with the tax man
saw beautiful hawk come down and take out a pigeon
singstar till dinner
noodle world - family style
yummy mango sticky rice
dancing and loud music till 4am at circus disco
blue haired hottie with multi colored hula
tifa looking hottie unfortunately with ugly bf. Verified by the 3min suckface at the end of the evening =(

sunday
cha for tea - terrific lunch special
honey almond black tea hot
test drive nissans, bmw, and toyota
juno
dexter Dvds at home
Knight Rider while stressing over stupid work problems.

mon
natural history museum - 344 style.
caravan and picto chat
hanging out with photo-phobic friend
dinner at downtown disney
sneaking into goofy's kitchen
peanut butter pizza
garland with 3 princesses, a chipmunk and chef goofy himself
Garland wish "Well, it already came true." (again =p)
fireworks in the parking lot
great time, great friends, great weekend.

Need to update on some posts. This had been sitting in waiting for a bit (Forgot about it).

Basically i got hit on while when i went to vote =p. Such a nice feeling and kept me going through the day.


Also took this test and was pretty darn accurate.
http://www.quizbox.com/personality/test82.aspx


Your view on yourself:
You are down-to-earth and people like you because you are so straightforward. You are an efficient problem solver because you will listen to both sides of an argument before making a decision that usually appeals to both parties.

The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for:
You are a true romantic. When you are in love, you will do anything and everything to keep your love true.

Your readiness to commit to a relationship:
You are ready to commit as soon as you meet the right person. And you believe you will pretty much know as soon as you might that person.

The seriousness of your love:
You are very serious about relationships and aren't interested in wasting time with people you don't really like. If you meet the right person, you will fall deeply and beautifully in love.

Your views on education
You may not like to study but you have many practical ideas. You listen to your own instincts and tend to follow your heart, so you will probably end up with an unusual job.

The right job for you:
You're a practical person and will choose a secure job with a steady income. Knowing what you like to do is important. Find a regular job doing just that and you'll be set for life.

How do you view success:
You are afraid of failure and scared to have a go at the career you would like to have in case you don't succeed. Don't give up when you haven't yet even started! Be courageous.

What are you most afraid of:
You are afraid of having no one to rely on in times of trouble. You don't ever want to be unable to take care of yourself. Independence is important to you.

Who is your true self:
You are mature, reasonable, honest and give good advice. People ask for your comments on all sorts of different issues. Sometimes you might find yourself in a dilemma when trapped with a problem, which your heart rather than your head needs to solve.

Jan 25-28

-Friday
stressed out at work by multiple stubborn people
ugly rain conditions and a forgotten homework assignment
great dinner with friends, catching up on things and people
deeper conversations over hot cocoa
passing by a house of many memories
eventually getting home.

-Saturday
breakfast with my aunt and cousin. Its the simple things of stuff french toast
unloading the garage of computers
attempting to deploy them to the school
shopping at Frys with Dad, ending it with Beers at a sports bar
passing by another home of memories
catching the Random Ninjas and Pizza in Long Beach
making new friends and taking a birthday shot of 3 wisemen gone hunting
over 5 hours of billards and karaoke in LA with another circle - fun fun fun
texts from the girl from new years
push starting the car in the pouring rain since the battery died
making it home safe and sound (and 4am)

-Sunday
waking up to go to the Ontario Home show (still raining)
falling in love with food preparation (mentally designing that new kitchen now)
getting ideas for the reconstruction
kristine is my new wife. My daughter Clara is married to my roommate Garland.
18 year old balsamic vinegar is yummy
splitting a baconator and chicken club for lunch
walking thru the town known as Ontario Mills Mall
picking up new basketball and driving shoes
arguing at Guess over their stupid policy
tired of walking halfway through the mall (how will i do the 10k)
trying out a new cafe at Garland's suggestion. Great service and food
late night shopping at Ralphs
creepy guy following us and getting me confrontational
heading home after a nice long eventful weekend.

-Mon
somewhat of a resolution to the work issue from friday
learning that training next week for the run won't be very beneficial =(
call from my college ex. Felt happy to know she could still confide in me.
talking with garland about life, relationships
mediocre workout at the gym
thoughts of summer bbqs and theme parties (can you believe a 90s party??)

Feeling positive out life and things to come. Looking forward to many more adventures, great or small. GO PATRIOTS for Sunday.

January Check up

Just came back from an eye exam. It was my first check up since my lasik about 6 years ago, and my eye sight is better than average 20/15. Sweeet deal but looking to get a nice pair of frames just for styling.

January has been good.

As you saw, the year starts great in Las Vegas. Garland and I had a great time just running the city and meeting/making new friends. Playing craps at hooters, pictures at the Vegas sign around midnight, meeting new friends and gambling till 4am - and that was all the first day. Got our fill of oysters and crab legs, as well as hitting all the outlets on the way home from vegas. We both got caught napping in the betting room floor while trying to kill the 64oz Fat Tuesday with 161 octane, but ringing in the new year amoungst 300,000 people was quite an experience.


Right after vegas we headed up to Big Bear to celebrate Mila's Birthday. The drive up there was crazy as we drove past fallen boulders in the middle of the road and could bearly see past the condensation on the windows. The weekend was great as we all just spent time at the house playing games, watching movies, poker, pool and playing in the snow. We didn't get to snowboard since due to hazardous conditions, but we did form a human pyramid and saw a 3 man piggy back ride. When we drove down on Sunday the snow fall made a beautiful layer on the cars, house and road.


I've seen the Murakami exhibit twice with various friends. Oddly, i think my favorite part of the exhibit was the LV store. The transforming S.M.P.ko² was really cool and i finally figured out who originated Lonesome cowboy. I may head back one more time before it ends to get a tour of the exhibit. I had seen the sunflower pillows so long ago and now understand why they were so expensive =/. In the realm of art though, i think i'm formulating a better idea of what i like and not like.


Also, as of Jan 13, I've officially become a Laker Fan - Thanks to Rico. This is surprising on how long i've been the anti-laker (yes..i was rooting for the celtics back in the showtime era). Oddly though i do remember doing the sky-hook while growing up, so guess i couldn't have been that bad. Anyways, I still have so much love for the sport and admiration for the unselfish players (LeBron, Wade, Snow) and respect for the against all odds of Iverson..and Shaq just because he's Shaq...but now i've just decided that I'm here in LA and a Laker fan is what i will be. Kobe is getting a bit more tolerable and Bynum is great (unfortunatly i was at the game he got injured). For better or for worse, a Laker is what i will be.


As far as the other sports, still sorta eh. If i had to classify, then Red Sox for baseball and Patriots fan for Football- Both thanks to my Boss. Sitting at Fenway was a moving experience. I think i was a Patriots fan before I started my job since my Dad has many ties to Massachusetts. Go Pats. Looking forward to the Super bowl. I'd say more but don't want to jinx anything.

In other news, I guess you can say it's dating, either way this month has included a lot of outings, getting to know new people and pondering possible relationships. Right now its just a matter of meeting different people and seeing what sparks my interest (maybe even re-evaluating some of my current circles). This past month has involved a lot of that. A future post will likely include what i've come up with so far. Plus it'd be something update my dating profile page or to post to craigslist =p.

A couple negatives for this month.
While doing my research, I learned that Carnival in Rio will start Feb 2 till 5. The unfortunate part of it is that with the vacation earlier this month, I won't try to push my luck and ask for another vacation so close. Guess Brazil will have to wait for another year. I'll have to find my Alessandra Ambrosio or Adriana Lima some other year.


I've been experiencing a bit of buyers remorse over the car. Its a great car. Drives very well, economical, environmentally sound, looks sporty and drives "efficiently". Thing is i don't feel excited about it. Its everything i was looking for, it was pretty much "me". Thing is..i don't want that to be me anymore. Regardless, with the rising gas prices, I'm still satisfied with my decision. What i'm really missing though is having the power of a stick shift =p.

On to other things, I realized i'm becoming more of a foodie. Been getting tired of local food places and focusing more on developing my own talents in the kitchen. I've expanded my cooking at work more and going to try experimenting with new combinations. With the house redesign I'm planning for an extensive kitchen to work in.

Cleaning out and organizing the garage. Found enough old clothes there to support a village of people. Getting rid of about 5 bags of clothes and hopefully a lot more.

Lastly, talking with a group of workers, decided to join the firecracker run. Its a 10k run through Chinatown, Elysian park, and around Dodger Stadium. Sorta training for it but figure much of time will be run/walking the course and taking pictures. If anythign it will be something i can list as accomplished this year.

Looking forward to a great new year!





Good Times, Good Friends, New Friends, Good Food, Great Beginnings.
Happy New Year to everyone.



pain heals, chicks dig scars, glory lasts forever
- The Replacements

Happy Holidays Everyone.
Hoping this message finds you all well.

This year has been a bit rocky for me, but fortunately thanks to surrounding myself with the people that care about me...I find myself successful and loved.

This past year i tried a new haircut, adopted a pigmy elephant, tried the abs diet (sorta), successfully did the lemonade fast (loss 10lbs), repainted chairs, built room entertainment center, passed my motorcycle class, met my newest nephew, test driving events, ohana vegas/xmas, PMX, speed dating, xmas hike, seeing the kwik-e-mart, cruise, bought a car, gun range, night swimming, return of 344 halloween, went emo, USC tailgate and many other things.

I've always been very fortunate in the people I surround myself with. Been planning more events with my coworkers and still sharing the warmth of ohana at our events. This past year has been especially strong with 344. My roommates have been great for me and our newest members by extension (Rozelle and Kristine) have made my year.

So how does the outlook seem now...very promising. I'm meeting new people and reconnecting with dear friends as well. Each day, i just hope to take enough time to realize how beautiful things are and how lucky I am and have been.

So my quote for this year...
Carpe Diem is so overrated...so for right now...stop talking and just do it.

Long overdue pictures

Was testing with Flickr but running into the space and free account limitations. Comparing some of the others possibilities, decided best to use picasa.google for future stuff. Until later, here are some of my memories for the past few months.

344 Family Cruise
Catalina and Ensenada. Wine Tasting, mini-jeep driving, scuba diving (need to scan those pics still)

Halloween (Office parody, House Party, and Halloween Day)
tagged office and halloween day. Everything else is the house party. Yeah bounce house!

USC Tailgate
ray's flickr
todd's flickr
maria's flickr
Mary's pics
YouTube movies
$100 parking(i got dropped off), turkey burgers, jungle juice, pinata, good friends good times.

and still more to come...

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our Light, not our Darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you NOT to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people won't feel unsure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. As we let our own Light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
-Marianne Williamson

feeling - Inspired
Looking for a better way to host my pics. Coming soon.

November is almost over and many things have passed. Got a lot of things accomplished (pics of the shelves/entertainment center and new couch coming up soon)...as well as pics from...shoot...everything (cruise, halloween, PMX, random events,etc). Even better is i scored a great price on this digicam i've been eyeing so likely more fun pics to come.

I did come across a couple articles that made me really wonder about the state of the world today.

No hugging at OC school
Parents torture child
Teacher arrested over teddy bear name

Pretty sad but i guess terrible things will always be around. I try to think of the positives and the good things i have in my life and going for me. Besides trying to just improve things for myself, been thinking about getting back into APO and doing some service projects. Even now i'm not in the "shopping" mood for xmas gifts since i feel many of my family/friends have already been so blessed with everything they could want, let alone need. Meals will be nice..just to reconnect. Oh well, the house has gotten sick and i'm still recovering. It was nice though that we've already set up the tree.