TGIF! WOOOO!
Friday, March 3, 2006 04:07 p.m.

I totally forgot to archive...I'll do that this weekend...but man, this week just flew by...some stress at work, but otherwise...low key. Good for a change!

Not much going on really, just trying to make it through the week and catch up on some sleep this weekend.

Had lunch with Josh at the mall...talked about how weird things can get at work over some bourbon chicken.

Going to see movie with Eunice tonight...hopefully "Ultraviolet" or the Dave Chappelle movie..

Rediscovered my love for Natalie Imbruglia...my gosh...she's just so pretty and has a great voice...and she actually writes her own songs...wow (well, except for "torn)...but man, "beauty on the fire" might be in my top 100 of most fave songs ever.

ADDICTED to YouTube.com they have everything! Even Afghan Whigs videos!!!

And the big news for last...a big CONGRATS to REVA. Happy Preggers! Hope things are well. Take care of yourself and the bun in the oven! *hugs!

TGIF, kids... wooot.

Strokes!
Thursday, March 2, 2006 09:12 a.m.

Another weird day...but it was ok...work has just been odd lately and I just want to get this project officially off the ground and towards completion. Communication is key. I'm going to try to shut up and listen though...hahahha! It's a day job...gotta remember that OCD, kid!

Was reading the lead story in the Voice...and man, if you girls like jerky guys...they might be playing you! "The Game"...I heard about it a while ago...but I didn't think it was such a phenomenon... apparently it's HUGE...and these guys try these things all the time..."PUA" (pick up artists) use all these things like weird questions, "yes ladders", "negging", "best friend tests", etc...so be careful! Some of this stuff is like...um...so junior high...but I guess it works. Ugh.

Eagles of Death Metal were entertaining for a while...then they got annoying. But a few good songs...The Strokes sounded AMAZING...but they were kind of boring...they just kind of stood around. Julian Casablancas did one thing that was intersting...he did a push-up... just one. But they played all the songs I wanted to hear...and "12:51" and "Reptillia" were especially good. The new album is slowly overtaking the others as my fave...good stuff.

To note: this one girl a few rows below us was dancing like a stripper...we had a good laugh. And outside this little Asian girl just yakked all over 8th Ave...just a lot of yakk....could not believe how much of it there was. I hope she's ok. Poor thing.

And Elaine... I love her. We always have a good time just cracking each other up. No drama...just laughs and fun. We get along because she's kinda a guy...and I'm kinda a girl. So it works. We went to Tick Tock Diner after...the fries were awesome...other stuff...eh. Oh...and the yakk...it was mysteriously gone...it must have been trampled over by post-Strokes people or run over by cars...who knew?

I can't believe I've known Elaine for 6 years now...time really flies...but when I look back on stuff...it just seems so long ago too. Anyways, I look forward to hanging out with Barry...we can talk nerdspeak.

Anyways...it's snowing/sleeting now...hope my commute home isn't bad... thank God for iPod. WOOOO! God is the best!

Not sure what I'm doing this weekend...we'll see...but yeah...not getting much sleep this week. I can't believe it's Thursday already!

funny stuff
Wednesday, March 1, 2006 09:19 a.m.

First off congrats to my Eric for winning an award for his project at work! Chang genes at work for ya!

Seeing The Strokes/Eagles of Death Metal tonight with Elaine. Should be fun...man, this week is flying by...and I'm beat.

Ok...my parents are weird and funny. They called me last night and were like ..."Do you have any Monty Python?" Specifically...they wanted "Holy Grail"...I didn't have it ...and they were like...can you buy it? They saw some clips of it on "I Love the 70's on VH1" and thought it was hilarious...I told them that it was for geeks and potheads...they just want to see it.

And yeah...my GRANDPARENTS ...who are in their 80s and 90s went to see "Brokeback Mountain"...mostly for the Ang Lee thing...but I wonder what they thought about the gay sex... interesting.

My family is weird and liberal and I would have it no other way...

On that note...I had a great iPod-y train ride and wake up call with some Faith No More and Slipknot...Slipknot is just brutal. It's like an audio horror movie...but they have some funny stuff (not sure if it's intentional) ....as in one of their songs is called "People = Shit"...hahahah!!!! And a lyric from "My Plague"..."I love you, Hate!"... how awesome is that?

RAWK.

tired and cranky
Tuesday, February 28, 2006 08:47 p.m.

Just a weird day at work. I know that I did what I was supposed to do...so why do I feel so uneasy? I suppose people have to get along at work no matter what. Thank goodness my manager gets it...

Not much else going on...just kinda stressed for no reason.

Grace emailed me and wants to buy me dinner in a few weeks...which is weird since it's her bday coming up. In any case, I wanted to surprise her...but she has a weird schedule...so I had to let her know that I was getting tix for "The Wedding Singer" on Broadway...so sometime in April we are gonna go.

Anyways, Strokes tomorrow (with Eagles of Death Metal)...and then the week is half over...I'm just tired and feeling kinda crappy lately...ugh. What's wrong with me?

Some thoughts...
Monday, February 27, 2006 09:25 p.m.

Just another day at work that went by pretty quick. First day with the ipod and it was great! I watched some Arrested Development on the way home. Pretty good way to pass the time.

Forgot to mention this funny thing. My mom caught me when I was just getting up and she was like.."who cut your hair?" Well, the usual. "It looks so FOBBY!"...hahahah! I guess it does when I don't put anything in it.

And that's pretty much all I got today. OH! There's a chance that one of my songs might be in a documentary about the comic book industry! Yup..."Skintight Spandex Suits"! Got to re-record it and get it updated...

Other than that...more work...hope to get this new project off and running soon.

huh?
Sunday, February 26, 2006 10:34 p.m.

Ok...how the heck did Stacy Keibler get beat by Jerry Rice?

Have you seen this girl move? Have you seen her body? her LEGS?

Seriously...Come on!

huh?
Sunday, February 26, 2006 10:34 p.m.

Ok...how the heck did Stacy Keibler get beat by Jerry Rice?

Have you seen this girl move? Have you seen her body? her LEGS?

Seriously...Come on!

more pain...more ipod
Sunday, February 26, 2006 04:11 p.m.

Yeah...weekend was really spent indoors since my shoulder and neck were really bugging me...it's much better now...but I was worried. The kids and my aunts all came over last night so they all took turns pounding away...Niu is still the best out of all of them. :P

Jen had to cancel because of work...and well, I wasn't feeling well anyways. Weird thing is...Eileen calls me on Staurday morning...I get the voicemail and man...how weird. I was just thinking of her the other day because I came across "beck and call" in a magazine somewhere...and I remember we had this heated debate about it...she insisted it was "beckon call" ...which kind of makes sense after a while...but I was right...it is "beck and call"...anyways...weird that she called me out of the blue. I'll have to call her when I am feeling better...just not up to much this weekend.

More ipod stuffies...I'm seriously out of space already and I have to pick and choose what I want to put in the darn thing. I think I went a little overboard with the video stuff...so I may have to be a little more choosy considering I don't even have half my CD collection in it...sheesh.

Anyways...excited for the commute tomorrow. I am going to join the ipod zombie crowd for the first time...but gah...what am I going to listen to? Maybe I'll let the shuffle decide.

Hoping the shoulder is ok by tomorrow.

And Reva, no...I'm not a lush! Thanks for your concern, you hot piece of sass!

IPOD! (and pain)
Friday, February 24, 2006 11:23 a.m.

Ow...and ow. My neck and shoulder were just not getting any better so I had to take a sick day. The last time it was this bad was right before I got really, really sick with the flu...but otherwise I am feeling pretty ok.

Anyways, tried to do work yesterday but I had to run to the bathroom every hour or so to put on some Ben Gay...so I smell like grandma's candy! Isn't that just great?

Stuck it out at work to meet up with Crystal...and we had some food and a couple of beers...very nice and low key. Caught up with her job sitch...doesn't look like I will be working with her again...but I do hope we get to hang out some more. She's really a sweet person. I hope she does find a better job and all of that good stuff.

So I got home relatively early and look what was waiting for me...my ipod video! WOOOO! So I uploaded my like 5,000 songs and videos...and it worked like a charm except for the video thing...but I resolved it...ok...DO NOT Upgrade the firmware on your ipod video. MUST leave it at 1.0 or your ipod video stuff will have audio problems and not play properly... anyways...I'm very proud of myself for doing the research and actually HACKING into the ipod software to downgrade it to 1.0...heh...ok...maybe not hacking HACKING...but it took some guts to go in and mess with it. Glad it works now....but the battery issue...crap. Looks like I'm going to have to buy an external battery.

other than that...just taking it easy today...resting up and hopefully will be well soon...supposed to go out tomorrow...we'll see how things go.

OW...TGIF... I think I need a nap and some more Ben Gay.

crick in the neck...
Thursday, February 23, 2006 09:43 a.m.

Ow...must have slept wrong.

Anyways, work has been pretty laid back since we got the news that this reprint read is all we are going to have for the next few weeks...hmmm.

Met up with Gloria at Third and Long and caught up with her job sitch and coming back from Korea vaykay. Good to see her...she's definitely on my A-list and we always have a good time talking about craziness and tv and whatever...it's fun times. I had 4 beers (but 2 were ciders...so that doesn't really count)...Joe swung by to say hi and we rushed home to watch LOST...but it was a repeat.

My ipod was supposed to come in yesterday but dang FedEx didn't leave it with my doorman...crap. What the heck. I hope they leave it tonight. GRRRRR.

Meeting up with Crystal for MORE drinks tonight...oh, man...what a week.

I must stop drinking...
Wednesday, February 22, 2006 09:26 a.m.

Ugh...feeling crappy today.

Work was pretty easy yesterday...got through 25 pages (which is really 50 since it is TE and PE)...and did a quick rewrite for AI.

After work I met up with Lynn for drinks and food...and overdid it...I remember drunk karaoke of "Mysterious Ways" which was really crappy...and way too many beers. Hey, she was buying after I was done...ugh. That's my problem...put something in front of me and I'll drink it.

Anyhooo...more work today, comics, and meeting up with Gloria tonight...for A drink...A...seriously. I can't handle much more...arrgh.

At least it's Wednesday.

I have fans in LONDON!
Tuesday, February 21, 2006 01:29 p.m.

Some guy on AOD was asking about music and I showed him my website...anyways...he had a lot of nice things to say...AND he bought a CD...AND he lives in London. Crazy.

Here's what he said:

Right - I've listened to a few of your tunes - your album is mine. I've just ordered one on amazon. My sister has got me into emo/'poetic' style rock/tunes with guitars in them etc in a big way (Although overall it's your vocals on the tunes listed below which swung it for me - very nice).

Of your own tunes on your website, the ones I particularly like are as follows...

First up - 'Pinioned' : I love your use of stereo in the (very nicely distorted) vocals. I try to use stereo as much as possible in my tunes too, very nice mate. I also like the phaser on the main guitar riff (is that done with a pedal, or is it added post production?).

Second - 'On the brink' for some reason makes me think of driving by the beach in an open top convertible wearing some shades. I can see how your poetry backgrond must come in handy when writing lyrics - I tried my hand at it and gave up almost instantly.

Third in there - 'Love's brutality' - Lovely beginning, and I like the way you've doubled up your own voice in places (unless that's a backing vocalist who sounds a lot like you...). Classic Emo - cool man. And I like the slightly 'screechier' guitar about 2/3rds of the way through, followed by the madness at the end! Class.

Finally - 'Under lock and key' - Lovely beginning (again) and more of your doubled vocals (or backing vocals!) make this a nicely chilled acoustic track in my book. More props for the lyrics - sounds very polished geez.

I've listened to a few of your covers, but I must say I give more respect for original work - I look forward to hearing a few more man - with titles like 'Flame and Wax' and 'Tearing', I'm interested to see what else you've come up with.

Peace.
Tromatize...

Awesome.

I have fans in LONDON!
Tuesday, February 21, 2006 01:29 p.m.

Some guy on AOD was asking about music and I showed him my website...anyways...he had a lot of nice things to say...AND he bought a CD...AND he lives in London. Crazy.

Here's what he said:

Right - I've listened to a few of your tunes - your album is mine. I've just ordered one on amazon. My sister has got me into emo/'poetic' style rock/tunes with guitars in them etc in a big way (Although overall it's your vocals on the tunes listed below which swung it for me - very nice).

Of your own tunes on your website, the ones I particularly like are as follows...

First up - 'Pinioned' : I love your use of stereo in the (very nicely distorted) vocals. I try to use stereo as much as possible in my tunes too, very nice mate. I also like the phaser on the main guitar riff (is that done with a pedal, or is it added post production?).

Second - 'On the brink' for some reason makes me think of driving by the beach in an open top convertible wearing some shades. I can see how your poetry backgrond must come in handy when writing lyrics - I tried my hand at it and gave up almost instantly.

Third in there - 'Love's brutality' - Lovely beginning, and I like the way you've doubled up your own voice in places (unless that's a backing vocalist who sounds a lot like you...). Classic Emo - cool man. And I like the slightly 'screechier' guitar about 2/3rds of the way through, followed by the madness at the end! Class.

Finally - 'Under lock and key' - Lovely beginning (again) and more of your doubled vocals (or backing vocals!) make this a nicely chilled acoustic track in my book. More props for the lyrics - sounds very polished geez.

I've listened to a few of your covers, but I must say I give more respect for original work - I look forward to hearing a few more man - with titles like 'Flame and Wax' and 'Tearing', I'm interested to see what else you've come up with.

Peace.
Tromatize...

Awesome.

Productive weekend!
Monday, February 20, 2006 09:32 p.m.

Man, I don't know why I am so tired...but I think it might be because I was just crazy productive this weekend! Just got a lot of stuff done:

1. Finished my first draft of my latest AI article and sent it in...I may have to rewrite...but some notes would help. I like it...depends on the editor.
2. Recorded a cover of "time to waste" by Alkaline Trio...mixed it really quick and I'm going to put it up soon.
3. Cleaned up the apartment and did laundry.
4. Got a hair cut
5. Ripped a ton of DVDs and CDs and put them in iTunes...should be getting my ipod in the mail by Wednesday!

And I'm sure there is more stuff...but man, that's a lot already!

Oh! I forgot to say that my little intern friend Vicky drunk dialed me on Saturday... so weird. She was in the bathroom and was eating pretzels on the toilet trying not to puke...she calls me and complains about her life and wanting to find a job etc... good kid...hahahah!

Been playing with the computer all day...hope this stuff actually works on the ipod...it would be so cool if it did...man, I like being distracted and busy...but I can't geekout too bad... need to get on the ball.

Busy week...meeting with Lynne for her bday makeup dinner tomorrow, Crystal on Thursday, and Jen Chung on weds. or fri...not sure yet. Anyways...busy times ahead...I may not be able to Comic Con...running out of cash...but we'll see. Never know if any surprises come in.

Wooo...short week! Back to work tomorrow...easier stuff since the Cali stuff is done...well, I hope so.

Video crazy!
Sunday, February 19, 2006 10:51 p.m.

WOW...last two days have been a blur. I've been sleeping at weird times...realyl late. Basically, just converting my dvds to ipod format! I have so much stuff ready to transfer over...soon as my brother gets me my ipod...sheesh.

Also been working on a cover of Alkaline Trio's "Time to Waste"...not sure when I'm going to record it...but it sounds pretty awesome.

Was going to go to Mohegan Sun with the family today...but they wouldn't sell tix to Justin since it's a long weekend...so I went to Harvest for brunch with Justin and my folks went to do their thing. They eventually went to Mohegan by themselves! So Justin is over and watching tv. All Star B-ball weekend.

The Slam Dunk contest was insane this year! But I don't think Nate Robinson should have won...Iguodala's slam from behind the backboard and over...that was INSANE. That should have won it.

Not much else going on...might get a hair cut tomorrow... long week ahead...and yeah, I think the post office lost a package...ARRGH!

Sleepy.... but I love playing with my new 'puter.

TGIF. Thank The Lord.
Friday, February 17, 2006 02:42 p.m.

A very weird week is coming to a close. And I am thankful that life is so strange sometimes. We get all these weird surprises...and still we strive to breathe and carry on. I can't wait to see what next week brings. Normalcy is boring...but sometimes it's very welcome. After the stuff that's happened this week...it will be a nice change!

FINISHED my California textbook project today. it should be completely done and over to the printers within an hour. Whew...it sounded easy at first...but man, do people complicate things. Now we know better...let's hope things are smooth for the next big project. And I met the hot Asian girl today...hahah I know her name! But man...I am sooo gonna stay the heck away!

I may just help my mom with errands this weekend and take it slow...Frances wanted me to go to brunch with her friend on Sunday...but I'll see her the following week...I got stuff I need to take care of anyways. Maybe see Doris if she is in the neighborhood...

Other than that...it's DVR, iTunes, and maybe a little recording. Soon as the weather complies a little better (um...from record setting blizzard to sunny and almost 60? Um...yeah...weirdness.) I'll get my "beat box"...for now...maybe check out the Best Buy sale and go home and rest!

I am so gonna sleep my ass off. RIGHT OFF!

TGIF. Oh, God is good.

busy day
Thursday, February 16, 2006 10:24 p.m.

Ok...just a really hectic day. Rushing to get stuff to the printer to meet our bound book date...and then they get a snow storm at the composer's site...so I'm missing 8 pages...and then this project is done. Arrrgh. Almost there!

Went out and I just needed to take a walk. Got a couple of used dvds to watch over the weekend. Ok, I have a little money... but I need to start saving ...arrgh!

Not much else... just working and watching tv...playing with iTunes...looking forward to some serious sleep.

Lots of plans next week...so I'm going to try to keep it low key this weekend...hide for a bit. I need it.

Sad bit of news...my buddy at work had to leave work today because one of his friends died. The weird irony...a few days ago he asked me if I could burn him a copy of Arcade Fire's album..."Funeral" and I brought it to him today. And now checking Reva's blog...someone in her life died too...and Steve from my old work place. Man, that's 3 in one week...so sad. Say a prayer. Rest, sweet rest.

oh...worst hangover ever.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006 11:14 p.m.

Yeah...had a very rough day. A lot of work...a lot of reading, meetings...just a tough day to get through especially with a hangover. Not fun.

Some sad news. Emily calls me and tells me that our mailroom guy Steve Bracey passed away. I didn't know him that well...but he was a nice guy...and he used to play for the Golden State Warriors ...way back in the day. Say a prayer for him if you can. My condolences to his friends and family.

Anyways, after a bunch of email exchanges...things with Grace are getting back to normal. In the end...I just don't think we know each other as well as we thought we did...Surprises...makes things interesting...and at the same time...well, it just makes you wonder what you don't know and whether or not it's worth it to open up and show who you are to someone. I think it's a bonding experience...and I'm glad we've opened up to each other so much this year. But man, I realize I do have some major walls. Yeah... being vague.

I mean, ok...this blog for instance...there's A LOT I leave out...and for the sake of all involved...it might be best if I do. I'm honestly a "nice guy" for the most part...but I do have that bad streak...so, I pick and choose what I share. And if the only interaction you've had with me is through the blog or IM or what not. You do not know me. No matter what you think. All this e-communication means squat. Face to face, flesh and blood...that's real. I get it now. So should you.

Anyways, Justin had an audition for a Dreamworks movie called "Disturbia"...he didn't seem very enthused about how it went. Oh, well...my mom brought him to the office and I showed them around and introduced them to a few people...and by this time...I was gone. My head was raging and I was starving...it was just tough to get through. "Bad news"...apparently that's my new slang term of choice---right Eunice?

Afterwards, we went to Chinatown and had dinner with my dad... home...uploaded "somebody" to the website. It's not perfect...a little shaky. But I was so sick the day I recorded it...so it's not bad. Just something for fun.

Crystal called and we talked about the job thing some more. I love her. She is great...I'd love for us to be co-workers again. Nice girl.

And yeah..Grace texted me again...said she liked the song I gave her (I wrote "leading you astray" from the point of view of a jerky dude...hahah the kind she likes...and I gave her a sneak peak of the cover song)...it's good to know that we are acting normal again.

Yeah, trying to keep it low key for the rest of the week...got lots of plans next week...as for tonight..I need to be unconscious and soon. Crazy day...work is going to be nuts tomorrow too. But no more drinking! Even if I feel like I need one...

Oh geeez.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006 09:43 a.m.

Ok... well, for once I'm gonna show some restraint and just kinda gloss over the events of last night. Hung out with Grace and things got a little weird...I'm still trying to figure out what I'm going to say to her...I hope we can laugh about it at least! Um...yeah. Drinking in excess on Valentine's Day...not a good idea. For the record, sooooo not my fault! I'm hoping we can look at the night as a bonding experience? She's got some making up to do, if anything...Hoo boy.

Anyways, I bought Eunice some choco and rushed it over during lunch...I thought she'd appreciate it...what's a best guy friend for?

And work was pretty dang insane...finalizing some pages...so I was here a little later than normal ...just a lot of stuff that needed to be checked quickly. But it's mostly done...so ...good news.

Dell sent some guy over and my computer at home is up and living again. My mom came over and said he was a really nice guy.

Ok... my memory is a little fuzzy...but I'm remembering things in flashes. Gah...I'm still hungover and probably will be all day. Cannnot wait to get home. Urrrgh.

minor surprises...
Tuesday, February 14, 2006 12:09 a.m.

Another weird day. The slush was bad enough...but after having my tuna sammich and soup dinner...I got a nasty stomach ache...like where my back started to hurt. Is that what labor feels like?

Anyways, I managed to record a new cover song! I did "somebody/every rose has its thorn" and got it pretty much on the second try. And I'm fiddling with new recording techniques and it sounds pretty darn good! You can't even tell I have a stomach ache! hahahah! But alas, my computer is not working so well...and until Dell calls me back and sets up an appointment to fix the sucker...ugh. It's making me mad.

And...it may turn out that I'm hanging out with Grace tomorrow night. She emailed me earlier tonight...so we'll see if we actually meet up. I could use my paycheck a day early since I have like NO MONEY...but oh,well.

Didn't get a really restful night's sleep last night...so hopefully I can knock out and not have any bad dreams tonight or tomorrow...ugh...what a dumb day!

Yeah...screw off, Hallmark!

And Maya did send me a thank you email...man, she is just so cute. If only...if only... I suck. Pretty simple. Another crush bites the dust.

Can some hot girl please club me over the head and drag me to her place and marry the crap outta me? Thanks...that would be great.

VDay is for suckers! Yeah, I mean you.

morning heroics...
Monday, February 13, 2006 09:54 a.m.

Ok, not really, but still... another weird morning. I left a little early because of the record 27 inches of snow that we got...anyways, got on the train ok...and then it stalled at 63rd/Lex...and then I close my eyes for a little while...and this woman collapses right near me.

"I'm pregnant."

Oh crap. This one couple (looks like they had money...lady was wearing a fur coat) helped her sit down...and everyone else is just standing there...doing nothing.

I was in a situation when an old, old man fell and hit his head on the floor of the train...and I had to rush off to work and I felt terrible...so this time I went and did something. I squeezed out and told the conductor...the cops were on the way already...but I told him to tell people to clear out of the train and give her room. he look kind of flustered and shut his window...so I just went back and told people that the train isn't going anywhere and they should just clear out and give the girl some room.

I checked on her...and the man was holding her hand...and she looked so worried but was thanking us...I left when the cop came...I wanted to stay and make sure she was ok...but what am I gonna do that the cops and paramedics couldn't do?

Anyways...crazy morning...and I got in at 9:20...changed my shoes and back to reading about Michigan...life goes one.

So, yeah...say a prayer for that woman...I really hope that she and her baby are ok...that's NYC for you.

morning heroics...
Monday, February 13, 2006 09:54 a.m.

Ok, not really, but still... another weird morning. I left a little early because of the record 27 inches of snow that we got...anyways, got on the train ok...and then it stalled at 63rd/Lex...and then I close my eyes for a little while...and this woman collapses right near me.

"I'm pregnant."

Oh crap. This one couple (looks like they had money...lady was wearing a fur coat) helped her sit down...and everyone else is just standing there...doing nothing.

I was in a situation when an old, old man fell and hit his head on the floor of the train...and I had to rush off to work and I felt terrible...so this time I went and did something. I squeezed out and told the conductor...the cops were on the way already...but I told him to tell people to clear out of the train and give her room. he look kind of flustered and shut his window...so I just went back and told people that the train isn't going anywhere and they should just clear out and give the girl some room.

I checked on her...and the man was holding her hand...and she looked so worried but was thanking us...I left when the cop came...I wanted to stay and make sure she was ok...but what am I gonna do that the cops and paramedics couldn't do?

Anyways...crazy morning...and I got in at 9:20...changed my shoes and back to reading about Michigan...life goes one.

So, yeah...say a prayer for that woman...I really hope that she and her baby are ok...that's NYC for you.

snowy days and problems
Sunday, February 12, 2006 03:40 p.m.

Ok...I was up until 330 with Dell Support...looks like I need a new CD/DVD ROM drive... I spent all day loading stuff into itunes and looks like the drive couldn't take it... well, better now than later...I mean, a brand new drive should have been able to handle it...crap. So they are sending someone to replace the drive...dang, in-house service.

So, the fear of the blizzard kept me indoors all weekend...and the meterologists were right. It's just a winter wonderland outside...if you like the arctic winds and a foot of snow...

It's been kind of a weird and gloomy weekend...but I guess the dilemma of going to two parties was solved for me. Oh, well. I just want to keep busy this week...yeah, Tuesday might be awful and grumpy...so I'm going to have to do my best to keep distracted. ARRRGH!

Seriously weird nightmares... I went to bed around 4 and was up by like 1230...but man, it felt like I had the longest nightmare...getting both my hands bit (index and pointer fingers) by Dobermans...and dreaming of some weird urbang myth...where this creepy old lady breaks into houses and washes her clothes in urine. I dreamt that I was waiting for a service person to come...and then I hear this commotion in the bathroom...and the woman has broken through the window and bars...and she's washing her clothes in pee! And there are these two security guards who catch her and are explaining to me... it's weird...and I think there was some witches or some seance thing going on too... just very odd.

Anyways, I'm just gonna watch tv all day, clean up, get stuff ready for snowy commute to work and all that. I can't wait to get paid and have some fun again...end of the week will be in the 50s? Come on...that's just crazy.

Gonna watch "March of the Penguins" later...seems like the thing to do in this weather.

I love my computer and I just want it to be well....urrgh.

more weirdness?!?!? come on!
Friday, February 10, 2006 02:30 p.m.

Ok...a relatively uneventful morning...though my mom came over this morning and gave me a ride to the subway station...but work was work...and meetings were very enlightening. Our project may get a complete overhaul...hmmm.

Anyways, I'm about to go to lunch and then I see my old co-worker (that I used to have a crush on a loooong time ago) Crystal! She was interviewing! She just emailed me last week about getting drinks too! ...and she didn't even mention the interview...anyways..it was good seeing her...and if she gets the job...awesome.

So, I stop by the mall for food and walking back...I run into that guy Chris! He works 2 blocks from me...weird. I wonder if he worked with Gloria...maybe I'm mistaken...but Gloria used to work in direct marketing? And he does something similar...if that's the case...WEIRD!

Anyways...lots of these little weird things. I'm just sleepy and tired...hope to get home early and just veg out before this Noreaster hits...man, I didn't even hear about this until last night...guess I'm not going to any parties...

OH...TGIF.... so sleepy.

more weirdness!
Thursday, February 9, 2006 11:10 p.m.

Ok...I'm home at a decent hour and I'm not drunk...hooray. But definitely some more weird stuff today. It was just a very odd day.

Had lunch with Em and she's cute as ever. She dyed her hair a little darker and the red streaks make her look a little like Geri Halliwell...aka...Ginger Spice. She bought me lunch at Olive Garden and it was good.

Ran into the hot Asian girl on my floor again...and just quickly walked the heck a way...yeesh!

Just some weird interactions with co-workers today...and had a bit of a tiff with a h.s. friend online. Seriously, some people they think they have you all figured out if they knew you in high school...and they hear a little about what is going on lately...and they make these snap judgments...ugh. Just left a bad taste in my mouth. And I'm guilty of it too...I'm thinking...wow...this person hasn't changed...but I'm sure she has...just don't get the full picture...

Which brings me to what happened with Grace. I actually raised my voice to her because of what she told me about the guy she was seeing. I still stand by what I said...it sounded uncharacteristically unlike her...but again...I don't know the full picture. Basically, whenever anyone tells me about someone they like or about a relationship they are in...I have to reflect back what they are telling me.

If it's "negative this and that" instead of "flowers and puppy dogs"...I'm going to have to assume something is seriously wrong. Plus if your friend isn't acting like you expect them to...it raises some major red flags.

And everyone knows how much I love Grace. She is my "tough love" friend. I am waiting for the day when she can really let down the walls and give me a real good damn hug...or even some tears. That will be a break through! But seriously, I've gotten much closer to her this past year...and she is honestly one of my best friends. I love her to death and would do anything for her...therefore the fierce papa bear stance I had to take...which surprised the hell outta me...cause I'm usually the one on the receiving end. And yes, I appreciate when she yells at me...cause I do need it when I am acting like an idiot.

But man, this year...and I'm talking to everyone...I have been through some of the WORST things I ever want to go through in my life. I've been touched with heartbreak, illness, death, disappointment, betrayal...and just utter crap...so I'm not pulling any punches anymore. I'm gonna give it to you straight and I hope I don't hurt your feelings. If I'm really your friend, if I love you until it hurts...I'm gonna have to kick the fire up. If I'm a little too nice to you...then man, maybe there is something up...

I know that just because I went through a lot doesn't entitle me to being an asshole...but sometimes being nice and coddling isn't what you are going to need if something is in a dire state. When time and other things are at stake...it's kind of fight-or-flight, you know? So in this case...maybe I jumped the gun a little. But it's just because of how much I care---and passionately and protectively so.

Grace, if you happen to be reading this... I'm sorry if it seemed like I snapped...but I was honestly taken aback...but in the end...I trust you to make the right decisions and I'm here for you when you need me. I love you, kid. *end of sap*

Anyways, we had some really good food at Divine Bar and then went to see Hairspray which was AMAZING! I think I liked it better than Mama Mia... so many b-list stars...hahah! I read the Playbill (not Playboy, idiots.) on the train and was reminded of just who was in it:

Well, John Pinnette (tubby stand-up that does the "you beeen heeeeah four hoooour!)wasn't performing today...but Tevin Campbell, Darlene Love (She sang the original "Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home) one of my faves...and did that recent SNL "Christmastime for the Jews" song/cartoon thing), Kevin Meaney (another stand-up)...and Diana DeGarmo!

The American Idol runner-up played the nerd in the cast...but at the end she changed into this amazing 60's shimmy dress get up...and MAN! She got boobs and booty! Who woulda thunk it...dang!

Anyways...it was a great show and the lead was just "Disney" great...clear, no vibrato, great dancing and "Broadway" acting...just good stuff. I gotta take my mom to this.

And yeah...I just went on and on about being tough and then I spout on about loving a musical...I'm a complicated guy, ok?

As for the Maya thing..well, there really isn't much to say. I'm going to be her friend...and we'll have to see just how much we are going to hang out in actuality. She could become just a great pal...and you know how I get "friendcrushes"...it's just good to feel like someone "gets you" in the world...it's a great feeling to not be so lonely in the crazy things that you love...I'm tired of being an outsider and not being understood by the people closest to me...yes, I love them...but sometimes I don't think they get me on the level that I want to be "gotten"...does that make any sense?

I mean...some people really get one aspect of my personality... easy example: Gloria gets my "tv whore" side...she watches a lot of the same shows I watch...so she gets it when I go nuts about something on LOST or when I make a SCRUBS reference...

See, that's great...and I love my friends for connecting with me on one level or more...etc...but maybe I'm just frustrated with being frustrated with myself...I don't know. I'm crazy and tired...ok...maybe more crazy today.

Take for example: the music thing...ok...this is big...everyone "loves" music to some extent...but it's hard to find someone who is "obsessed" with it in a healthy way...someone who is just so fired up for an album or going to a concert and singing along to every word...I really don't think I have any friends who are THAT into it...so yeah, I'm crazy. I just want to meet someone who is my kind of crazy. And I'm not even talking about a girlfriend...just a friend who gets that side of me.

Ok...I just noticed I'm rambling...it's been a weird day. I've been exhausted and hung over most of the week...so please, forgive me for being crazier than usual.

TGIF...make it so.

weird day...already?
Thursday, February 9, 2006 11:01 a.m.

OK...hopefully the weirdness is over...but today just started out weird.

Ok...kinda hung over...but that was expected. The train was re-routed because of "smoke conditions" in the train ahead...eeep. But ok...then on the street...I'm giving this woman directions to Madison Ave. ...and just as I point. Some guy walks right into my hand. He has this slack-jawed, shocked expression...and I apologize...and he puts two and two together and just walks away. So weird. ...and kinda funny.

And now sober...this whole Maya thing might have trouble written all over it. I admit it...I'm very drawn to her. She's incredibly sweet and bubbly...but it could seriously be trouble. Yeah, the boyfriend thing...and me being all emo and excited to meet someone that I click with...and that clicks with me. It's just a path to heartbreak if I'm not careful. But what can you do? Hot, talented, funny, sweet, full of great stories, loads in common...how the heck amd I supposed to stay away from that...especially if she wants to hang out too? URRRGH! Careful.

Ok...back to work! Lunch with Em and Hairspray with Grace later.

hella good.
Wednesday, February 8, 2006 11:52 p.m.

Work was just insane today. Lots of meetings all day and I had final proof pages. I can't believe I actually have to "sign off" on things so that they can be officially done. Whoah.

Anyways, went to meet up with Maya. Met up at like 6 and went to Boxers and just drank like fiends. I am slowly sobering up...but man, I'm going to pay for it tomorrow. Both had 2 shots of Cuervo and 5 drinks a piece. Ow.

I really do think I found a kindred spirit in Maya. We have all these really random things in common: I gave her this robot panda phone thing...and she was like "I've been obsessed with phone accessories! I just lost 4 things...so this is awesome." And then I got her a tiny chocolate cake...which really was like a mousse...and she was like "I don't like cake really...but I love mousse!" And I called her "homeslice" just offhand (something I got from Christin) and she was like...that was my nickname when I was a kid!

Ok...beside the silly little things... she said that the stuff she told me about her family problems...she never even told her closest friends...she was puzzled why she was so open to me...but she said that ever since we "really hit it off"...she thought she could share things like this with me. She's very close to her mom's side of the family (like me), is intensely passionate about playing music (like me), and just incredibly fun (hahahah maybe not me).

Anyways, the night stretched on and we just talked a lot...she talks a mile a minute (which you know I LOVE)...and she's just flat out gorgeous. Not a lick of make up...she came straight from rehearsal too...and well, I made it pretty obvious that I liked her...and she wasn't all like "no way" either...but the boyfriend thing...hahah that gets in the way.

In any case, she wants to hang out with me like all the time. She begged me to go to her party and ditch another one...which I am really tempted to do. We are going to try to see Alkaline Trio together...and performances (each other's), the Trader Joe opening in Union Square (she said "it's a date"...hahah don't tease me!!!), and since she might have some problems with her new roommate...just random hangouts.

Well, people say a lot of things and things don't pan out...but I take it with a grain of salt...and I really enjoy her company. Yeah, the boyfriend factor really sucks...but I can be friends. We have enough to go on. Who knows...she might break up with him one day...or she might have hot musician friends for me...hahah.

I was pretty trashed before and I totally missed my train stop! But I got home around 11... I spent over 4 hours with her and it was just ...easy and cool. The best "frienddate" I've had in a while. Yes, I said "friend".

At this point in my life, I'm tired of looking...so if things ever happen...it will truly take me by surprise...I'm going to just fill my life with people who are positive influences on me...and just go head on into that glorious light...so yeah, less drinking...more sharing about the human condition. God is good...and I know He'll put the right people in my life...and the other ones...well, things will work out in the end.

Ok...I am seriously going to pay for this tomorrow morning...and Hairspray with Grace tomorrow night...urrrgh...and more drinking...double urrrgh!

Can't wait for a quiet Friday...oh, man.

I *heart* my computer!
Tuesday, February 7, 2006 10:50 p.m.

Ok...ground control to Major Tom...we are speeding along the internet superhighway with my awesome new sexy 'puter. Got the wireless card in today and it's been pretty good...a bunch of disconnects...but I'm hoping I resolved the issue now. In any case, iTunes is simply awesome now that I don't have to look up track names and can just get them from online...and my computer can rip a whole CD to mp3 in like 3 mins. or less. Just awesome.

Anyways, was a little hung over at work today... but I managed to get outta there with my dignity intact...gotta keep a smile on!

Home and just putzed around. So much I gotta figure out about this computer...but it's so much fun putting all my cds on it.

And tomorrow...it should be a crappy day for me because it's a certain person's bday...so I'm not going to mention it anymore...thank goodness I'm hanging out with Maya...I hope we just have a blast...I know she has a boyfriend and all...and I only met her once...but hey, drinks with a hot girl...you can't beat that regardless...if anything...I consider it practice. :P

Well..back to fooling around with the computer. I wonder if iTunes has the track names for "lo-fi is chic." somewhere out there...hmmm.I think you can submit names if there isn't...but let's check it out and see...ok...well, I submited names...so if anyone uses iTunes...maybe it will show up now? Who knows...give it a shot.

Work and fun tomorrow...wooo. Moving on... not looking back...Lord, help me make it through a tough one... it gets better, right?

I *heart* my computer!
Tuesday, February 7, 2006 10:37 p.m.

Ok...ground control to Major Tom...we are speeding along the internet superhighway with my awesome new sexy 'puter. Got the wireless card in today and it's been pretty good...a bunch of disconnects...but I'm hoping I resolved the issue now. In any case, iTunes is simply awesome now that I don't have to look up track names and can just get them from online...and my computer can rip a whole CD to mp3 in like 3 mins. or less. Just awesome.

Anyways, was a little hung over at work today... but I managed to get outta there with my dignity intact...gotta keep a smile on!

Home and just putzed around. So much I gotta figure out about this computer...but it's so much fun putting all my cds on it.

And tomorrow...it should be a crappy day for me because it's a certain person's bday...so I'm not going to mention it anymore...thank goodness I'm hanging out with Maya...I hope we just have a blast...I know she has a boyfriend and all...and I only met her once...but hey, drinks with a hot girl...you can't beat that regardless...if anything...I consider it practice. :P

Well..back to fooling around with the computer. I wonder if iTunes has the track names for "lo-fi is chic." somewhere out there...hmmm.I think you can submit names if there isn't...but let's check it out and see...ok...well, I submited names...so if anyone uses iTunes...maybe it will show up now? Who knows...give it a shot.

Work and fun tomorrow...wooo. Moving on... not looking back...Lord, help me make it through a tough one... it gets better, right?

brunk dowling!
Tuesday, February 7, 2006 09:30 a.m.

I was fine when I got home last night...but now...urrgh.

Anyways, work was work yesterday...nothing really to write about...but I was pretty dang productive.

Went to Guitar Center afterwards and talked to the guy about trading my guitar in for the KORG Electribe thingee... I am so going to do this. I just hope they give me enough for the guitar...*crosses fingers.

Anyways, wandered around until 7 and then gave Eunice a big spiky-haired hug for her bday. Went upstairs to Bowlmor and then waited for Tia and Dave to come... we bowled our first game and I got a little buzzed. Then Chris and Marcus came and more bowling, cake, and more...beer.

Ok...by the second game I was officially a little impaired...but my personal best for the night was 101...not bad for me...but Eunice was doing pretty dang well...she teamed up with Tia and scored 107! Tia has a Power Rangers style, Dave and Chris look like pros.

Anyways, Chris likes Superchunk! Pretty cool...marcus left early...but he seemed like a porud papa..takings pics and bringing a cake for the bday girl.

All in all...it was fun adn I hope Eunice had a great 30th...29 seemed to be a crap year for most people...so I'm hoping as we enter our 30s...things really do get better. They say the 30s are supposed to be the best years of your life... we'll see.

Supposed to hang out with Maya tomorrow...and tonight...I need a little recovery time...weds. and thursday seem like they are going to be long nights... Thursday I'm going to see Hairspray with Grace...we are on some weird Broadway kick...and Friday...I need to rest. I'm getting sick...or just tired.

Ok...let's tackle Tuesday.

Super...iTunes
Monday, February 6, 2006 09:40 a.m.

Ok...I have to admit that I didn't watch much of the game last night...but I did catch that 75 yard run... pretty amazing.

Spent most of last night fiddling with iTunes and checking out how fast my new DVD/CD rom burns....whoah. It beats my old computer...5X over... wow.

Still feeling a little rundown and my throat has been a little itchy and I've been sneezy...uh-oh.

Ok...so this thing with Maya...it's her bday on the 10th...so I asked her if she likes surprises...and she said "well, not in terms of STD's or pregnancy"...hahahah come on! that's such a dumb-Abe joke! You know I would totally say something like that...hahah... so we have the same sense of humor...though even if she didn't have a bfriend...I'm not sure I'd ever have a shot...but what the heck... we'll see what happens on Weds. We sure have been emailing a lot lately...but you know this e-communication means jack to me. :P

Ok...back at work...and it's Eunice's bday! Going bowling tonight?

Ohh...it's Monday. I need money...arrgh.

White Sangria will f* you up!
Saturday, February 4, 2006 09:46 p.m.

Oh yeah... bad hangover this morning and headaches all day. UGH!

Ao after work...I had to kill massive amounts of time until Eunice's surprise. So I went looking at used CDs, picked up a few things, and X-men Legends II with the gift card I got...and then I went to Guitar Center to look for a cheap drum machine...um...ok...that's out of the picture. I fell in love with this awesome KORG machine that has these amazing sounds... just like the Faint!

I'm going to sell one of my guitars and hopefully that will give me some store credit so I can pick this puppy up. I want it BAD! I had dreams about it last night! I just want to go play with it and make awesome noise ...um...music.

Anyways, so I get top Lucy Latin Kitchen early and there's a fight that breaks out... pretty weird since it's a high class place...and then it's past 8 and no one is there for the surprise...I'm about to go in to look and Yuri is on her way out! So I talk with her and meet Rob, her husband and before long...I see Tia...and I duck and hide...but too late...Eunice spots me.

HAHAH! I GOT YOU!!!! I knew about this nearly all week...and I've been playing it off so well...like "hey, what are you doing Friday? Want to see a movie?" hahahah!!! Ellen comes in and we get seated and then Eunice's friend Christina comes...and later Dave.

We get sangria and order some amazing food from the prix-fixe (It's Restaurant Week) ...and I summarily proceed to get pretty drunk....the sangria ALWAYS does me in...it's sweet and it tastes like punch...and the mangoes...and..yeah.

Anyways, had a good time talking with everyone...(Ellen thinks Gary gained like 50 lbs. since high school...she says she was "shocked" ...pretty dang funny. Had a good time talking with Ellen and Yuri mostly... we should hang out more. I know they are married and Ellen's preggers...but hey, I can always hang with non-single girls...sheesh. But the funny thing is... Ellen and Yuri knew a lot about me... so I guess Eunice is talking to them about my crazies!~ I don't mind actually, most of it is on the blog...though for you out there...the blog is really for my closest friends...and whatever internet stalkers I have (that means you "John"...and Reva...well, I love me some Reva regardless...even if she is married! See! I can be friends with married, hot wimmins!) And who knows if any of my exes are reading this... yeah... whatever. I could care less at this point. Psychos that made my life a... but I digress...

And let me tell you...Eunice cleans up good. She really was a vision. Just beautiful. I mean...she's cute when she wears a Cookie Monster T-shirt or whatever...but she was a real knock out last night. A pretty pony. Happy ealry Birthday!!!!

Or...that could have been the alcohol talking. :P

Anyhooo, everyone scattered to the wind...but I was planning to hang out with Eunice, Dave, Tia, and Christina...I was talking to Christina about her being a nurse in training...and she said she dealt in obstetrics mostly...and she saw a lot of "coochie"...I prefer "hoo-ha"...but still.

And then we get to duvet...and my head is killing me and I almost feel pukey. UGH. So I had to leave early...and went home...and was unconscious by like 1-130.

Which leads me to today... more laundry, more cleaning...and then my mom calls and wants to do something. So, we go to Costco and Wal-mart.

I can tell when my mom is kinda lonely...my dad didn't even invite her to lunch with his friends...and Justin was out with his...and me...I'll pretty much drop anyone to stay with my mom. Yeah...I'm a momma's boy...so what?!??!?

Ok...unless the girl is like super hot...then maybe....:P But yeah...I love my momma and I'd rather spend time with her... and I take good care of my grandparents...after unloading groceries and what not...I just cooked for them...played some Xbox...and played with the DVR.

Speaking of which...I'm taping the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders "Making the Team" special... yeah...I love me some cowgirls...but man, some of the stuff is heartbreaking...and the girls aren't all that hot. The retired cheerleader who is the boss...she's the hottest! hahahah.

Anyways...my head is still aching...and I'm wondering if I'm coming down with a cold...crap. Ugh. Maybe I'll go to sleep early tonight then...

drenched.
Friday, February 3, 2006 09:25 a.m.

Ok...first off...Angel and Jaye...in the same movie! Boreanaz and Caroline Dhavernas (one of my dream girls) ...in some Canadian sex-comedy...based on some Canadian play...well, hope they at least release a dvd of it: http://www.thesegirlsthemovie.com/

WOW...I haven't been this wet in a long time. The umbrella was absolutely no use...and I'm soaked down to my boxers and my socks... ack...serves me right for "Milk"...

Anyways, last night I picked up the DVR and cable modem and went home to set it up and play with it. My wireless card isn't in yet...so Chris set up his computer...and it took a while to get it right...but the DVR is AWESOME. I programmed it and got all this stuff lined up already. WOOO! I don't know how I lived without it... I just hope I have a lot of space on the thing...hmmm.

Lots of stuff going on next week: Monday...Eunice's bday! Going bowling supposedly...still haven't heard definitive plans yet...Tuesday lunch or drinks with Emily, Wednesday...oooh Maya night (good night to have it too....ack...it's a day with significance), and Thursday is Stuy mixer with Melissa and anyone else that wants to come, I guess. Whew...dang. I'm gonna be broke!!!

At least I won't be missing any tv. heh.

Oh...and I got Jenny Lewis tickets yesterday! WOOO! Who am I gonna go with now?

TGIF! Must get dried off!

Archived and more
Wednesday, February 1, 2006 09:33 p.m.

Yup, put a pretty darn good January page into the archives. Things definitely got better...and led up to a kick-arse 30th bday show/bash.

First off...congrats to Karen! The proud momma of Abigail Kim! (I tell everyone she's named after her "Unca Abe")...that baby is the hairiest little bugger I ever seen. And in one of the pics...she looks just like Karen. ADORABLE. Can't wait to see her in March! Man, I love babies. Why can't I find anyone to make one with me???

Anyways, went to Harvest Buffet with the folks and Justin. Just...gross. I didn't eat all that much and didn't even have dessert...and yet...I feel so uncomfortable.

There was this little girl there that ate the bloodiest piece of prime rib...she ate the whole slice...and she must have been like 8 or 9. My mom called her a "little vampire".

My Dad bragged that he ate like 20 oysters...and much, much more.

My family is really weird...they can yell at each other on the phone for half an hour and then...everything is just copacetic...so strange.

Anyways....my social calendar is quickly filling up...I've got plans for like months in advanvce now! Sheesh!

Ok...lunch with Gloria tomorrow, maybe something Friday, dinner/drinks with Maya (finally! the hot girl I met at Lucia's party...the one that I gave a massage to. :P) next weds., drinks with emily next mon or tues, drinks with Deanna Pres. week, same thing with Crystal around then...

Jeebus...I'm not going to be able to afford it...but who the heck cares...hanging out with cute girls? Heck yeah!

Speaking of which... turns out Grace got wrangled into editing some friend's sister's college essay? Huh? I'm not sure what happened...need to call her back...but I am so sleepy...urrgh.

OK...need to get some sleep tonight...beat and bloated...urrgh. Cable modem and DVR tomorrow!