HOTTEST WOMEN EVER!
Friday, September 24, 2004 04:27 p.m.

Ok...it's Friday and I'm tired of doing work... here's a frivolous post:

HOTTEST WOMEN IN MOVIES:

1. Princess Leia in Slave Girl Gold Bikini in "Return of the Jedi"--Come on...when you saw that episode of "Friends" you were cracking up because it was soooo true. No one...and I mean NO ONE...will ever be as hot as Carrie Fisher in "Return of the Jedi"...that outfit...man....my wife is soooo getting one.

2. Catherine Zeta Jones in "Entrapment"--that slipping under the laser beam scene...my goodness. Michael Douglas is a lucky man.

3. Lindsay Lohan in "Mean Girls"--Admit it...when you saw the "Jingle Bell Rock" scene your mouth dropped open.

4. Charlize Theron in "Two Days in the Valley"--I had a total "who is THAT" moment when I saw this movie... and now she is just...eh. Oscar and all.

5. Winona Ryder in "Reality Bites"-- she just made my heart do the loop...just so...cute...eyes...too big...real life...anime girl...feeling weak...*passes out.

6. Rita Hayworth in "Gilda"--that one scene in "Shawshank Redemption" when the prisoners are watching the movie...that's Rita Hayworth...wow. That's a "dame".

7.Diane Lane in "Unfaithful"--yeah...she cheated on her husband with some fool that I would want to punch in the face...but she's a WOMAN...and just fiesty and intelligent which we all know equals HOT.

HAHAHHAH..I'm sure there are lots of moments I forgot...but just felt that I needed to get this down somewhere...for posterity's sake... Abe is UBER-BAKA!

Have a good weekend, kids.

it's getting hot in herrrre...
Friday, September 24, 2004 09:12 a.m.

Well...I've finally moved into my permanent cube at work...it's good to finally be kind of settled in...I'll have to bring in some of my knick-knacks to make it a little homier...but for now...it's a good "start"...the new project isn't too shabby either...I'm getting the hang of this...which means...basically, doing whatever I want...oh well. The AC in the office still hasn't been fixed...and it is BOILING..ugh...it's like 90 degrees of stagnant air in here.

Had chicken cheesesteaks for lunch with Eunice...who happens to be the "prettiest pony in Palookaville"...uh...you had to be there. Got a few things at Suncoast to liven up the cube...Jay and Silent Bob figures!

Anyways... home... rehearsed some... Joey was pretty funny...and got to play Battlefront with Fred... I need a HUGE Star Wars geek to play with me...someone who will be like WOW...my WOW moment was when I got into one of those lanky machine things on Endor...and the Ewoks smashed it with logs...I was like WOW! I can't believe that happened !

Ok..I'm a dork...but you all knew that.

And Mr. Show... I love it...but so sad that this is the last season...I really hope they get together and do something soon...I miss Bob and David together...

Busy weekend... Serena's bday BBQ, Chinese festival stuff (Teabag folks offered me a 15 minute set in Chinatown...but I have all these plans...crap.), and my grandparents anniversary...busy!

And it's possible I might get jury duty...oh, joy.

Man...it's hectic...when am I going to find time to find true love? *eyelashes all aflutter... ahhh...screw it. It's overrated anyways.

TGIF. God loves you...and so do I.

eh... and what not
Thursday, September 23, 2004 09:14 a.m.

Not much happening...work stuff is gearing up on the new book...I should be getting manuscript soon.

Cindy and Serena's bday are this week...but Cindy is in London...so Happy Birthday...across the pond.

The Avengers comic...apparently they killed off Hawkeye...ugh. What a mistake...and the way that he went was kind of similar to how Green Arrow did...um...hello...exploding aircraft? Only Bucky and (maybe) Jason Todd...stay dead in comics.

Home... finally got Star Wars and Mr. Show DVDs! Star Wars doc was pretty good...but long...I only got about half way through and went off to bed...but man, some serious problems on the first movie...wow... I didn't realize what an incredibly tough shoot it was.

Website...getting some guestbook entries and emails...which is good...but I always feel like no one really likes my music...as in REALLY likes it... that would make me so happy...if someone just really enjoyed it...and the words and music touched someone...because that would mean that someone else "gets it." I just don't feel like I know anyone that just really "gets it." ... beyond the "oh, that's nice" point...

I mean...when I hear a great song by some of my fave artists...those songs represent a point in time, a feeling, something...but it connects and resonates deeply...I NEED music...if a piece of music moves me...it's just awe inspiring... I wish I could do that for someone...

Well...maybe one day...but until then...it's good to have the kind of support that I have...but I'm longing for this whole CD business to just be done...I've got a novel to finish after this.

OK...it is so frikkin hot in the office...back to reading.

perhaps the worst nightmare...EVER.
Wednesday, September 22, 2004 08:56 a.m.

You ever have one of those "snooze button" dreams...like, when you wake up earlier than expected and doze off for another 15-20 mins. and have a very vivid dream? Well...I had one of those this morning...and it wasn't very pleasant...

The long and short of it: I walk into work...though it's not really work...but I know it is...my boss comes over and he says he wants to introduce me to the new hire...which happens to be "E"... and I'm just flabbergasted...so I immediately ask her to go outside to have a word... and if you've read my blog before...you know that I tend to "cast" people in roles...so this girl represented "E"...but didn't look like her... anyways... the "E" in my dreams doesn't let me talk...and basically starts crying and apologizing and saying that it was a mistake for us to break up and she wanted to get back together...so we hug and kiss and then I feel so elated...only to think "wait...this doesn't feel right"...(if anything...the "E" in my dream was more like Laura...ack...another bag of worms)...so in the dream...I punch the wall...and BOOM...I wake up.

I wake up ...REALLY UPSET... like there is a huge weight on my chest (which could be the heartburn caused by all the salad I've been eating since my diet this week) ...but never the less...UPSET. In any case...as I tend to do...I try to analyze the dream as in...what mental garbage I had yesterday that would lead to this...

Well, work has been stressing me out...and I talked to Serena about her little niece...who happens to be named "E" as well...and some guy on the street whacked my hand HARD (it's kinda bone-bruisy)...so that leads me to believe those things contributed to my 15 minute dream of UTTER TERROR AND SORROW! ...so what have I learned?

I should probably start dating again. heh... uh...little help?

Anyhoo... recap of yesterday... new editor is proofing the old books I was working on and as I was showing her what to do...I lost my cool and cursed! I was so frustrated by the ass-poor job that the vendor did that I lost it...she was like "Are you always this stressed?"...hahahah! Only when I am faced with incompetence! But she took it in stride and the books should be done soon.

Got a Killers Single and a Morrissey DVD single...awesome...went to Best Buy after work and picked up Star Wars: Battlefront (yes...the DVDs are in the mail...Amazon will get them to me) because everyon in the store was raving about how cool the game was...

Went home to practice etc...and then played a little...OH MAN...this is just an amazing game! You can basically play on the side of the Empire or the Rebellion or whatever Eps. 1, 2, 3 sides are...you get to play on basically every planet... command all these different troops, command every major vehicle...and just wreak havoc!

Luke, Vader and Mace and Dooku...also come into battle...oh man...there is nothing like seeing Vader (or Skywalker) coming at you and then ...BZZZZT.... and you get to kill Ewoks...it's INSANE...everyone must come over and play !!!!

Anyhooo...awesome game aside... it was a very up and down day...

And that whole business with the national anthem singing...and them manhole covers blowing up in midtown... what a nutty day...Lord, help us...

perhaps the worst nightmare...EVER.
Wednesday, September 22, 2004 08:56 a.m.

You ever have one of those "snooze button" dreams...like, when you wake up earlier than expected and doze off for another 15-20 mins. and have a very vivid dream? Well...I had one of those this morning...and it wasn't very pleasant...

The long and short of it: I walk into work...though it's not really work...but I know it is...my boss comes over and he says he wants to introduce me to the new hire...which happens to be "E"... and I'm just flabbergasted...so I immediately ask her to go outside to have a word... and if you've read my blog before...you know that I tend to "cast" people in roles...so this girl represented "E"...but didn't look like her... anyways... the "E" in my dreams doesn't let me talk...and basically starts crying and apologizing and saying that it was a mistake for us to break up and she wanted to get back together...so we hug and kiss and then I feel so elated...only to think "wait...this doesn't feel right"...(if anything...the "E" in my dream was more like Laura...ack...another bag of worms)...so in the dream...I punch the wall...and BOOM...I wake up.

I wake up ...REALLY UPSET... like there is a huge weight on my chest (which could be the heartburn caused by all the salad I've been eating since my diet this week) ...but never the less...UPSET. In any case...as I tend to do...I try to analyze the dream as in...what mental garbage I had yesterday that would lead to this...

Well, work has been stressing me out...and I talked to Serena about her little niece...who happens to be named "E" as well...and some guy on the street whacked my hand HARD (it's kinda bone-bruisy)...so that leads me to believe those things contributed to my 15 minute dream of UTTER TERROR AND SORROW! ...so what have I learned?

I should probably start dating again. heh... uh...little help?

Anyhoo... recap of yesterday... new editor is proofing the old books I was working on and as I was showing her what to do...I lost my cool and cursed! I was so frustrated by the ass-poor job that the vendor did that I lost it...she was like "Are you always this stressed?"...hahahah! Only when I am faced with incompetence! But she took it in stride and the books should be done soon.

Got a Killers Single and a Morrissey DVD single...awesome...went to Best Buy after work and picked up Star Wars: Battlefront (yes...the DVDs are in the mail...Amazon will get them to me) because everyon in the store was raving about how cool the game was...

Went home to practice etc...and then played a little...OH MAN...this is just an amazing game! You can basically play on the side of the Empire or the Rebellion or whatever Eps. 1, 2, 3 sides are...you get to play on basically every planet... command all these different troops, command every major vehicle...and just wreak havoc!

Luke, Vader and Mace and Dooku...also come into battle...oh man...there is nothing like seeing Vader (or Skywalker) coming at you and then ...BZZZZT.... and you get to kill Ewoks...it's INSANE...everyone must come over and play !!!!

Anyhooo...awesome game aside... it was a very up and down day...

And that whole business with the national anthem singing...and them manhole covers blowing up in midtown... what a nutty day...Lord, help us...

a twirl and a swirl...
Tuesday, September 21, 2004 01:53 p.m.

Ok...so big news at work...they pulled the ENTIRE project from the vendor...a lot of it is almost done...but they are passing on my work to someone else to finish up...and giving me a new project from scratch... which is better...but I feel like I knew the material...and whoever takes this on is going to be kind of lost... in any case...we will see how all of this goes. The new project I'm working on is definitely more my pace... teaching writing! It's what I did at the old company...so I should be able to do this much better.

anyways... stayed at work kind of late getting stuff ready...and then home...Fred was over...ate..practiced and kerplunk. I was exhausted.

Lots happened today too...but more on that tomorrow...when I get a chance.

Well...one thing...one of the Teabag Open Mic guys also runs a tourist association thing for Chinatown...he asked me to sing the national anthem at the opening of the Autumn Moon Festival on Sunday...BUT...that's a really tough song to do...and it's not really going to be "pretty" coming from my rock vocal chords...in any case... maybe they'll find a hot girl to do it.

Ok...back to work...ARRGH! New stuff !

Star Wars and Indy quotes.
Monday, September 20, 2004 02:42 p.m.

Before I forget...anyone see "When STAR WARS Ruled the World" on VH1? Kevin Smith was talking about Empire and he was saying that when Leia says "I love you" to Han... Han "like a pimp" says "I know."

I always remembered that line when I was a kid... and Kevin Smith is right...it's PIMP-tastic.

And a reason to watch movies with subtitles: I was watching Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade over the weekend...and there is one scene where his friend Marcus(played by Denholm Elliott) gets lost in an Arabic marketplace...and he's the bumbling museum/collegiate friend of Indy's...and someone offers him water and he says:

"No thank you, fish make love in it."

I WAS DYING!!! You would have missed the line if you weren't watching with the subtitles... goes to show you. hmmmpph.

AND if you don't believe me...I found a site that has a WAV or mp3 file of the line! Click here and scroll down!

tired...but oh-so-productive
Monday, September 20, 2004 12:02 a.m.

Wow...this weekend seemed really long...but still it went by too fast. Recap.

Friday: Man... more bad news...seems like we might pull the ENTIRE project from the vendor...which means my exec. editor will have to make a decision on Monday (hence, blogging now) and I had to start cranking stuff out on Friday...lots of prep work for the upcoming stuff. We'll see what happens next...hopefully, things will be better. I actually...was very focused and got everything done...even though I was still feeling a little sick.

Came home... Eric went to dinner with So Won and Jeremy...and since it was Justin's bday...I went home to play with the kids...we had noodles and Cookie Puss...I'll ahve to blog about my 4th grade Cookie Puss trauma one day (It was my bday...but I didn't get the cone! long story...) anyways...Justin got the cone and he had a happy birthday...my baby is growing up...sniff.

Eric came to pick me up...Shelb came over and more Halo...I was working on my website all night...but then Roseann, Nina, and Kelvin came over...and we went to the diner at like midnight...SoWon, Jeremy and Shelb bailed out early though...

Saturday...woke up late...Eric left for Boston way early... and I pretty much worked on the new website ALL DAY....and that was about it. So, it's basically all good now! Go check it out!

www.abechangrocks.com

Please sign the guestbook!

Sunday: Didn't get to bed until super super late... but was up early to go to Costco with the family...got a load of stuff...and helped my grandparents with their apartment...lots of cleaning up...and practiced for the Oct. 2nd show (you are coming, right?) I am soooo beat.

Emmys... YAY SOPRANOS and ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT! Two of my fave shows...and the Surreal Life and Joey on tape... and Fred's sister gave Chris a wireless XBOX controller... AWESOME! Works like a charm...now if I can get better at Prince of Persia...

Ok...off to bed now... work week begins...Lord, help me...I hope it gets better... I really need to have some hope here.

ugh...still sick...but some good news
Friday, September 17, 2004 09:03 a.m.

Ok...so I ended up leaving work at around 11 yesterday... feeling hot and feverish and just woozy.. not good.. brought work home and just jammed on it and got it done.

Justin was off from school and him and Eric were still sleeping when I got back...but they ordered pizza and I ate myself into a food coma...and napped for 3 hours...just pooped out and went unconscious...

Woke up... the apartment in disarray...checked my email and found that www.abechangrocks is up and ready! So it took me a little while to figure out how to get the FTP stuff working and after a little while...badda boom! www.abechangrocks is up with Streaming Audio!!!! The rest of the site will be up soon...I'll get cracking on it this weekend.

THEN...the whole family went to Harvest Buffet for the dreaded gorge-fest that makes the Changs oh-so-"exceptional"...my dad is just insane...and Justin spent 30 mins. shelling crab legs into a bowl...and drenched the whole thing in butter and ate it all... Chris is used to this by now...

The guys went bowling with Shelby..I was in no shape to do anything of the sort and went home to work on the website...eh...oh well... and here I am ...back at work...still not feeling great... ugh...Friday... let's try to make it through the day.

Happy Birthday, Justin! I love you!

TGIF...oh it's good.

sick...ugh.
Thursday, September 16, 2004 09:20 a.m.

Ok...I seriously do not know what is wrong with me ...but I am still achey and feverish...ugh...

Anyways...past two days...Tuesday...met with the new vendor at work... got Justin's Pokemon games for his bday and the new Megadeth album...and went home to play Prince of Persia (awesome but hard) and Eric came back a day early...just chilled...that was that...I can't remember anything anyways...blame the fever.

Wednesday: Home...woke up... called in sick...but didn't get that much sleep anyways...ended up mixing down "scent of you"...and you know what...I think it's done. Sounds pretty good...so basically...I am DONE.

The hard part anyways...so a few more things to take care of...picking out the best mixdowns...and then pressing the master disc! Then art and off to the studio!

Went to Sam Ash with the intention of trading away my old "12 string Richie Sambora-esque electric-acoustic"...but the guitar tech advised me to keep it...he said they don't make guitars like this and that he was going to clean it up and get it working right...supposedly, all for 65 bucks...hope so.

Stopped by 71st and picked up some comics...Green Arrow is my new obsession...after reading "Archer's Quest" with all the old throwbacks to the good ol' days...I had to get some more. OLLIE!

Got some food...went home...ate and read comics and passed OUT! I'm just sore and hot...ugh...and then by the time I got up...it was time for dinner with the folks...then home...and Shelb and Justin came over to play with Eric...and I passed out after a big cup o' Theraflu.

So...I'm back at work... I may end up just taking stuff home since I don't feel too hot...haw! ...actually...I feel really hot. :(

But it's the achey neck and shoulders that are the worst...man, anyone give me a massage?

AMPLIFIED!
Tuesday, September 14, 2004 11:23 a.m.

I'm officially on the bill. Check it out:

TEABAG AMPLIFIED

Alice and Jill went up the hill...
Tuesday, September 14, 2004 11:02 a.m.

What a nutty day yesterday was. Work was hectic and I almost flipped out again because of some B.S. the vendor was shovelling...if it isn't B.S. it's because they are incompetent...so it's a lose-lose situation.

Went out at lunch to get tickets for RE:Apocalypse... got 7.50 off instead of a free ticket...I guess the DVD folks didn't really mean "free" when it comes to NY ticket prices...in any case...

Finished up at work and rushed to meet Eunice for RE... went to EB first and picked up Prince of Persia...then went to see RE...Eunice made it just on time... RE was pretty good... lotsa hot girls! Milla Jovavich just has such a pretty face...and the girl who played Jill Valentine was hot...she was dressed just like the video game character...meaning...the cop looks more like a hooker...but anyways... RE3! WOOOO! Give it 2 more years.

Tried to get yoga pants for Eunice...but to no avail...I did find a copy of the MEAN GIRLS DVD!!! A WHOLE WEEK EARLY!!! AND 10% off !!! WOOOO!!!!

Went home... watched some of the supplements on the Mean Girls DVD and played some of Prince of Persia...can I just say...AWESOME ?!?!? This game is incredible... and when did I start playing video games ??? OH..I finished Unreal II on Saturday... wow!

Anyways...RE, Mean Girls, PofP, and Eunice made a very stressful day a little better.

Just got out of a meeting and I've got my first Rolodex! I feel so grown up! It's kinda cheesy...but I'm going to need it...oh well..

Here's to the rest of Tuesday.

Alice and Jill went up the hill...
Tuesday, September 14, 2004 11:02 a.m.

What a nutty day yesterday was. Work was hectic and I almost flipped out again because of some B.S. the vendor was shovelling...if it isn't B.S. it's because they are incompetent...so it's a lose-lose situation.

Went out at lunch to get tickets for RE:Apocalypse... got 7.50 off instead of a free ticket...I guess the DVD folks didn't really mean "free" when it comes to NY ticket prices...in any case...

Finished up at work and rushed to meet Eunice for RE... went to EB first and picked up Prince of Persia...then went to see RE...Eunice made it just on time... RE was pretty good... lotsa hot girls! Milla Jovavich just has such a pretty face...and the girl who played Jill Valentine was hot...she was dressed just like the video game character...meaning...the cop looks more like a hooker...but anyways... RE3! WOOOO! Give it 2 more years.

Tried to get yoga pants for Eunice...but to no avail...I did find a copy of the MEAN GIRLS DVD!!! A WHOLE WEEK EARLY!!! AND 10% off !!! WOOOO!!!!

Went home... watched some of the supplements on the Mean Girls DVD and played some of Prince of Persia...can I just say...AWESOME ?!?!? This game is incredible... and when did I start playing video games ??? OH..I finished Unreal II on Saturday... wow!

Anyways...RE, Mean Girls, PofP, and Eunice made a very stressful day a little better.

Just got out of a meeting and I've got my first Rolodex! I feel so grown up! It's kinda cheesy...but I'm going to need it...oh well..

Here's to the rest of Tuesday.

unpredictable predictability.
Monday, September 13, 2004 09:23 a.m.

Weekend was very odd in some minor ways:

Friday: Was supposed to get home, pack up and go to Jersey with the family... turns out there wasn't room in the car and I volunteered to stay home. I was feeling a bit under the weather anyways and it was better if I rested. Watched a bunch of anime and was unconscious around midnight. Man, I was tired...still am. OH! I did sign up with hostbaby...they are gonna get me "www.abechangrocks.com" and will host the new site! WOOO!

Saturday: Septermber 11...three years later...and life is kind of back to normal? Woke up pretty late and didn't do much. Watched "The Girl Next Door" and "The Punisher" with Chris...both were ok...Elisha Cuthbert is waaaaay hotter than I thought she was though... Played some drums...thought I was done recording for "scent of you"...turns out I was wrong...but I figured out the problem.

Sunday: Got up late again...just really exhuasted...sleeping in...but not sleeping well...what's wrong? Stress? Anyways... recorded drums for an hour or so...and I think I nailed it. So ...if I give it another listen...and it sounds ok...I'm just a mixdown away from having the initial "draft" of "lo-fi is chic." done! Anyways...my Mom brought the kids home and I got a chance to see them...before she took them home and me and my mom did a MAJOR clean up of my grandparents apartment. You have to understand that my grandma is a pack rat and likes to keep EVERYTHING...I mean...even empty bottles and boxes...just weird...so we cleaned for hours...and my grandpa just has newspapers piled upon newspapers...in any case...a major overhaul... cleaned the place out...and now my back is SORE...ow.

After all the cleaning...Chris went over to my folks place to get Justin's computer up and running again...and then my mom took us to Georgia Diner for food...and Pathmark for some groceries... By this time...I was exhausted...urrrgh!

Justin's first day at high school today! I can't believe he's growing up so fast...I still look at him and think he is the cutest thing in the world...but he's getting older and bigger so fast...so weird for me.

Surreal life...just surreal... and Bands Reunited....must catch up on rerun episodes...

Good article on Identity Crisis on CNN.com:
CLICK HERE

My life has been busy but boring lately, huh? I need some good excitement...

Ugh...Monday.

settle down...
Friday, September 10, 2004 09:16 a.m.

Work...was better. Seems like the new vendor we are going to go with will be better (perhaps, anyone would be better)...so I'm hopeful...need to prep a bunch of stuff for them as well.

In any case... comics make me happy...and getting what I need to get done is good.

Refrained from buying DVDs...which is good...I have almost 200 bucks in credit coming to me...just wait!

That girl, Mia...that I met at the wedding...wrote me back...she said it was something ELSE I said that sounded sarcastic...but she forgot what it was...arrgh! I wasn't trying to be sarcastic...i might have been nearly drunk at the time...so who knows...sigh.

Happy Birthday,Chris! He came home after going out with friends...Fred came over too.

"Joey"...not too bad...I like it...and Drea De Matteo is HOT.

Been waking up dizzy and kind of pukey the past few days...had a weird dream... one of my co-workers was in it...and I beat up Johnny Lee for some reason in my dream...very odd.

Anyways...TGIF kids....it was a short week...but not really. God is good...keep ya chin up!

flash flood...booyakashaa!
Thursday, September 9, 2004 09:21 a.m.

Actually...it was a flash flood in more than one sense of the word. The weather and the commute was one thing...but when I got to work... it was something completely different.

I basically flipped out at work because the vendor was still returning poor quality stuff...and didn't send back my edits after I had repeatedly asked for them. That was just the last straw. I was ready to take home work and just chill out...but the exec. told me to compile a list of grievances...and give it to him to settle.

It's a load off my shoulders now. I've provided all the empirical evidence...and how are you going to argue against that? So... hopefully, once we get this stuff done... it will be settled and I won't have to work with this vendor again!

It was a rather short day considering all the madness and random hootenanny... I went to the mall to get Niu a bday present at the Sanrio store...where I was greeted by like a 7 foot Hello Kitty...I was like "there isn't a cute girl in there"...it was some dude...ugh...so wrong. Why was there a guy inside of the Hello Kitty suit??? I could make an awful joke here...but I'll just leave it up to your imagination.

Jersey Girl...awww...Kevin...you went all soft and predictable! What the crap?!?? Had a lot of potential but it just went KERPLOP...but Liv Tyler is growing on me now...I used to be so annoyed by her...but she is actually kinda cute.

LUM! Started watching Urusei Yatsura stuff again...yay. "Joey" is on tonight too... hope it doesn't suck... Adriana! "Chris-tuh-fuh!" I hope Drea says that at least once on the show...somewhere.

Long stressful day...thank goodness it's over.

Today can only be better, right?

flash flood...booyakashaa!
Thursday, September 9, 2004 09:21 a.m.

Actually...it was a flash flood in more than one sense of the word. The weather and the commute was one thing...but when I got to work... it was something completely different.

I basically flipped out at work because the vendor was still returning poor quality stuff...and didn't send back my edits after I had repeatedly asked for them. That was just the last straw. I was ready to take home work and just chill out...but the exec. told me to compile a list of grievances...and give it to him to settle.

It's a load off my shoulders now. I've provided all the empirical evidence...and how are you going to argue against that? So... hopefully, once we get this stuff done... it will be settled and I won't have to work with this vendor again!

It was a rather short day considering all the madness and random hootenanny... I went to the mall to get Niu a bday present at the Sanrio store...where I was greeted by like a 7 foot Hello Kitty...I was like "there isn't a cute girl in there"...it was some dude...ugh...so wrong. Why was there a guy inside of the Hello Kitty suit??? I could make an awful joke here...but I'll just leave it up to your imagination.

Jersey Girl...awww...Kevin...you went all soft and predictable! What the crap?!?? Had a lot of potential but it just went KERPLOP...but Liv Tyler is growing on me now...I used to be so annoyed by her...but she is actually kinda cute.

LUM! Started watching Urusei Yatsura stuff again...yay. "Joey" is on tonight too... hope it doesn't suck... Adriana! "Chris-tuh-fuh!" I hope Drea says that at least once on the show...somewhere.

Long stressful day...thank goodness it's over.

Today can only be better, right?

here comes the rain again...
Wednesday, September 8, 2004 09:56 a.m.

Wow...it was an adventure getting into work this morning...the rains flooded the subway...luckily Chris goes to work an hour before I do...and he came home and told me...we both ended up taking the express bus...that was driving at breakneck speeds when there was no traffic. AND...it stopped two blocks from my office...in any case...I just realized my conference call is TOMORROW morning...arrrgh. Idiot.

Anyhooo...yesterday was another semi-stressful day at work since we officially gave the word to the vendor that we are issuing a kill fee and yanking the project from them. Later in the day...some shady "sweet" phone message from the president of the vendor's company called...and a few rings and hang ups... have got me pretty paranoid.

Best Buy always makes things better... I had a few coupons and I put them to use. I got the Clerks 10th Anniversary disc, Punisher, Jersey Girl, and RE: SE (with free movie ticket!)

Went home at 5...since summer hours are over...and Chris and Fred were hanging out... we ordered junky Chinese food (which gave me a stomachache) and watched the long ass (but awesome) extras on the Clerks disc...a nearly 2 hour documentary... it was amazing to watch the story of how Clerks got made and became indie-film history.

I also watched the extras on Jersey Girl...the best part was the Roadside Attractions feature that Kevin Smith did for Jay Leno...funny stuff...and the interview that he does with Affleck about all the movies they made together... which was hilarious because they constantly make fun of each other...but you can tell the LOVE each other...as in they are seriously like family.

In any case... that's pretty much it... back at work...try to make it through the day.

here comes the rain again...
Wednesday, September 8, 2004 09:56 a.m.

Wow...it was an adventure getting into work this morning...the rains flooded the subway...luckily Chris goes to work an hour before I do...and he came home and told me...we both ended up taking the express bus...that was driving at breakneck speeds when there was no traffic. AND...it stopped two blocks from my office...in any case...I just realized my conference call is TOMORROW morning...arrrgh. Idiot.

Anyhooo...yesterday was another semi-stressful day at work since we officially gave the word to the vendor that we are issuing a kill fee and yanking the project from them. Later in the day...some shady "sweet" phone message from the president of the vendor's company called...and a few rings and hang ups... have got me pretty paranoid.

Best Buy always makes things better... I had a few coupons and I put them to use. I got the Clerks 10th Anniversary disc, Punisher, Jersey Girl, and RE: SE (with free movie ticket!)

Went home at 5...since summer hours are over...and Chris and Fred were hanging out... we ordered junky Chinese food (which gave me a stomachache) and watched the long ass (but awesome) extras on the Clerks disc...a nearly 2 hour documentary... it was amazing to watch the story of how Clerks got made and became indie-film history.

I also watched the extras on Jersey Girl...the best part was the Roadside Attractions feature that Kevin Smith did for Jay Leno...funny stuff...and the interview that he does with Affleck about all the movies they made together... which was hilarious because they constantly make fun of each other...but you can tell the LOVE each other...as in they are seriously like family.

In any case... that's pretty much it... back at work...try to make it through the day.

here comes the rain again...
Wednesday, September 8, 2004 09:56 a.m.

Wow...it was an adventure getting into work this morning...the rains flooded the subway...luckily Chris goes to work an hour before I do...and he came home and told me...we both ended up taking the express bus...that was driving at breakneck speeds when there was no traffic. AND...it stopped two blocks from my office...in any case...I just realized my conference call is TOMORROW morning...arrrgh. Idiot.

Anyhooo...yesterday was another semi-stressful day at work since we officially gave the word to the vendor that we are issuing a kill fee and yanking the project from them. Later in the day...some shady "sweet" phone message from the president of the vendor's company called...and a few rings and hang ups... have got me pretty paranoid.

Best Buy always makes things better... I had a few coupons and I put them to use. I got the Clerks 10th Anniversary disc, Punisher, Jersey Girl, and RE: SE (with free movie ticket!)

Went home at 5...since summer hours are over...and Chris and Fred were hanging out... we ordered junky Chinese food (which gave me a stomachache) and watched the long ass (but awesome) extras on the Clerks disc...a nearly 2 hour documentary... it was amazing to watch the story of how Clerks got made and became indie-film history.

I also watched the extras on Jersey Girl...the best part was the Roadside Attractions feature that Kevin Smith did for Jay Leno...funny stuff...and the interview that he does with Affleck about all the movies they made together... which was hilarious because they constantly make fun of each other...but you can tell the LOVE each other...as in they are seriously like family.

In any case... that's pretty much it... back at work...try to make it through the day.

Labor Day-ing
Tuesday, September 7, 2004 09:30 a.m.

Hey folks...not much going on...back at work...gearing up to either move into my semi-perm cube for the time being or...not.

Labor Day: Spent some time cleaning up and getting stuff ready to record drums for "scent of you"...everything else for the song is about done...

Went to my uncle's place where we had BBQ...I manned the grill for most of the time... getting my fill of the testosterone prescribed rite of passage.. the kids are definitely growing up...they are just bigger and even have some sass (not the good kind)...but for the most part they are still cute. Justin brought his friend Evan along...seems like a good kid.

Pretty much it...played some Xbox...found a pic of me with a toy (my first) guitar when I was three...probably going to use it for the album somewhere.

Chris is still out in Cape Cod...weather is getting colder here... it's nice...but it seems like summer is over. Man, I need to diet...I always get pudgy in summer and thin in winter... it's so ass-backwards.

The hurricanes in Florida...so weird...we were very fortunate to go to Florida and the Bahamas in between Charley and Frances... wow, God is good. I pray that God will help those folks who are dealing with the weather there now.

Well...looks like a busy week... trying to get some stuff ironed out at work and then back to the same old...same old. sigh.

Sabrina's Wedding!
Sunday, September 5, 2004 11:33 p.m.

Wow...I'm back home now and I am BEAT...what a crazy weekend.

Eunice and Reen ended up coming over late Friday night...we hung out for awhile...and I didn't get to sleep until almost 3:00 (mostly my fault since I was watching the end of Witch Hunter Robin...which was eh.)

Got up at 7:45 and was out the door... got to Chinatown and the bus companies were just insane...pushing and pulling people to get them to take their company's bus over the others...it was just unnecessary. I got on the bus and a very uncomfortable (busted chairs, cramped, smelly) 4 and a half hours later...I was in DC.

I haven't been in DC in 4 years, mind you...so it took a while for me to figure out the Metro...but once I did...I got checked into the hotel...showered...changed...and went to Sabrina's wedding.

I was an usher...and I ran into Johnathan and barely recognized him...in any case, I was Sabrina's closest guy friend from college...and I ushered along with Johnathan's closest girl friend from school...Mia...

Funny thing is...we hit it off right away...we both were single and had lots of weird ex stories and other stuff... ended up talking to her and some of Johnathan's other friends from school...Joyce and her husband Oshri...Joyce went to Optometry school and knows Melissa Lee! And Stephanie and her husband... Stephanie goes to Albert Einstein and knows Christine Ko! Small world...

The cermony was beautiful and spiritual...small wedding...only about 100 people...Sabrina was gorgeous... just beautiful. I was the first person she saw when she walked down the aisle...I was in the last row.....it was amazing.

Went in and sat with the BU girls! Christine Choi, Sharon, Chung, Annie...and some of Johnathan's friends...Nancy and Karen were bridesmaids...and Jeannie sat with them...

We all had pretty good food...but no dancing or anything until everyone ate...then the slide show and the DANCING...and let me tell you...when the BU girls dance...it's an insane laugh riot...Sabrina is such a good dancer! But the other girls...they were just funny..FUNNY!!!!! They don't take anything seriously...and I haven't laughed this hard in a long time...I really needed that.

I talked to Mia a little bit...and I might have offended her or something...she thought I was being sarcastic when I said "I'm happy for them, but I don't feel like I am missing out on anything by not getting married..."...or she may have misheard me or something...I have her email address...I should email her to clarify...

Sabrina...another one that got away...I was so happy to see her get married to an (seemingly...according to his friends) amazing guy (that happens to be a John Woo look-alike)...out of all of my friends...literally...ALL. Sabrina was the only one that I would have married without hesitation...oh, well..we just never got things to work out...but we are very good friends...and I love her (and she loves me) deeply. She's just an all around amazing person.

And everyone can see for themselves if you pick up the NY Times! They are featured in the Style section!

OK...the way we capped the night...a bunch of us snuck into the bridal suite and waited for them... oh man... you should have seen the looks on their faces... hahah I think Sabrina might have gotten mad...cause she didn't say goodbye and went into the bedroom to change...hahahha...but hey...I would be mad too... they've been waiting a long time...and look who comes to prolong it...their friends! HAW!

Karen's fiancee...Hyun...man... I knew they were right for each other when we were all dancing in our stupid "Asian circle" (EUROPA 1994! holla.) and they both were doing these really cute, goofy dances...but not looking at each other...I thought ...oh, man.. they are PERFECT for each other...I'm sad that I can't make it out to their wedding...but I did wish them well and gave them some money...

Back to hotel and...man...it's creepy...no one on my floor...and it seemed like one of those places on the Travel channel...you know, HAUNTED places! I was a little freaked...but I stayed up and watched Cartoon Network and drank some Sierra Mist...and then I thought I heard the faucet go on BY ITSELF!!! Turns out it was the toilet refilling...in any case...I slept with the Gideon Bible next to me...and the TV on all night. I'm a chicken, ok !!?!?

Sunday:...got up and out...Chinatown...had soem MC D's breakfast (which was terrible...took forever and it wasn't good) and took another crappy bus trip back to NY... ahhh...NY!

Stopped by Best Buy on the way home...and got "Ella Enchanted" and some anime...ok, I am gay.

Home...ahhh... XBOX...and talked to Romana a little bit...She wants me to meet her friend Leslie...hmm...sure. Anyways, happy bday Ro...I love you, smelly cat!

Apparently, my grandpa fell a couple of days ago...but he's ok...why doesn't anyone tell me this stuff???

Chris is still in Cape Cod...I got him a Paul Frank ipod case at Urban while I was in DC...I hope he likes it...he's my monkeyboy!

Eric is in Seattle at Young Kee (famous rapper...from the Japanese super group "m-flo"...AND he was our assistant pastor in Boston!) and Yoon's wedding...

Man...weddings...I can't be happier for my friends...and sadder for myself... Thnak goodness, I'm keeping busy. But Lord, I could really use someone to love right about now. Someone good and sweet...and not crazy, please.

Sigh...we are such flawed, sinful creatures...and yet we deserve to be loved and to love... man your battle stations...the heart is a cruel hunter.

Enjoy your Labor Day, kids...you've worked mighty hard.

oh man...busy
Friday, September 3, 2004 12:10 a.m.

Ok...so the RNC is supposedly wrapping up just about now...thank goodness. But the weekend is still going to be stressful because of the long weekend...and the Republicans still streaming out of the city...ugh.

Wednesday: work wasn't too bad...finished up a few things and just tried to "let go." Great. Went to get comics and ran into Elizabeth from work... and Ming on her way to Baruch...and my old Exec. Editor Laura M...I didn't say hi to her though...awkward...so two days of lots of running into people...

Next week looks packed...supposed to meet up with Sowon and Jeremey, Deanna, and Emily...and maybe others...ack... no time, no money...eeep.

Home...a little nervous on the train because Bush was in Elmhurst...the train got stalled at Roosevelt...and I got a little nervous...but it was fine.

Bumming around...video games and hanging out with Chris...

Thursday: BUSY! Chris took a sick day...he was just tired...anyhoo... I went to post office...it took forever because they changed their media mail policy...and I had to open and reseal the box of DVDs that I was selling...arrgh! Got some groceries...came home...made brunch for Chris...did laundry...cleaned up more... BUSY!

Doesn't look like I will be able to make it to Philly...too much stress with RNC and wedding plans (Sabrina called...I'm an usher now! WOOO!) and I got news from Teabag that the show has changed...

I'm going to be one of two opening acts for this band called "Paper Doll" I think they are like blues/rock... anyhoo... I had to get them a promo pic and a bio... sigh...BUSY!

Worked on "scent of you" I think I nailed down the main vox...and the harmony is coming along...now I just need to finish that and lay down the drum track...and mixdown and then WOOO! "lo-fi is chic." will be DONE.

Need to get the website paid for and ready...and then the art work, the final master, then off to the studio for pressing... oh man...it's almost ready!

The more I record...the better things sound...I'm very excited. The NEXT album...will sound even better... I'm learning...wait...NEXT album??? maybe in a few years... sigh. BUSY!

I'm beat. I need me some anime.

Kaleido Star has been great...and the last disc of Witch Hunter Robin is waiting for me!

Music wise: wooo Coheed and Cambria... Rush meets Emo meets Sci-fi...finally listening to this CD again...it's definitely growing on me.

So what else? Besides the perpetual need for female companionship? Eh...overrated...I'm waiting for her to find me. Hurry up, already!

I am angry with rage!
Wednesday, September 1, 2004 09:16 a.m.

...to quote Fry from Futurama. It's just been RNC madness here...I just want all the Republicans and all the protesters to just go away...can't we have peace and (relative) quiet in NY for awhile? Sheesh.

AND...I got an awful leg cramp last night because of the temperature drop...it's nice and cool and dry outside now...but I'm hobbling around... ugh.

Anyways...the recap: work is still hectic...but we might offer the vendor a kill fee so they won't do any more crappy work! which is a huge relief... settled some other things...

Got the new Bjork album...um...odd. Maybe 3 or 4 good songs...but just weird... no instruments! The Icelandic boys choir, Mike Patton (FAITH NO MORE!) and Rahzel...that beat box guy...man...weird... Philip Glass-esque?

While I was on my way to Best Buy...I ran into Mary from work and she told me Myles got fired...oh man... don't really know the details...but wow. Ran into Zakhar also and we went to Best Buy together... getting drinks next week? and THEN...I ran into Yvette and her friend on the street! I was just thinking about how she was while I was on the Glory last week...funny... haven't heard from that nut in months. her friend, Tracy, gave me a funny George Bush button ...He's in the toilet and it says..."Tiem to FLush"...HAW!

Ok...home...just getting home without a hassle...dang RNC...and Jack is over with his new gfriend Penelope...she's older than me and is a doctor! Eric and Chris and the rest went to dinner...and I stayed home to clean up and just relax a little...

So Won, Jeremy, Dareen (finally met her), Shelb, Jack, and Penelope all came over...I worked frantically on getting CD ART specs to So Won...and stayed up until almost midnight to get it done...while everyone else played Halo...

Oh...BTW, did ya'll see Alicia Keys and Christina Aguilera on the VMAs?? HOT !!!!

In any case, I got her a bunch of files and she's good to go...wooo. Hope things get rolling and this dang thing gets done by November.

Ok kids...lots of work before the long, long weekend...and I need to get this cramp outta my leg.

urrrgh!
Tuesday, August 31, 2004 09:12 a.m.

Yes, that familiar heading... URRGH! Work is just insane...and I'm getting so frustrated because I can't do what I need to do when other people are not doing their jobs properly! WTF ?!?!?

In any case, I needed some comics badly...and I got Joss Whedon's latest issue of Astonishing X-men...dangnabbit Joss! Just awesome. Not gonna spoil it...but let's jsut say..."shiny metal"... cliffhangers! Kitty Pryde = Buffy!

the RNC is still ever present...but I'm glad I get 2 for 1 vacation day this week...I cannot wait to be out of this craziness.

I got those Evangelion Grimrock figures that I wanted so badly... they were at Jim Hanley's...wow...I'm glad I waited cause I got them for a lot cheaper than the import price...and they are gorgeous!

Home...to find Eric, Shelb, Jack, and Chris with mouthfuls of pizza and chicken...we played some Halo...but I was just exhuasted...Uwang came over later...but I was in bed watching Futurama shortly after.

And if you haven't already...Futurama Season 4 is just hilarious...the best. And also the two heartwrenching episodes...the one with Fry's dog and the one where Leela thinks Fry is dead...but she's mistaken...oooooh! *no spoilers there.

In any case, is it weird that I think Leela is hot? I mean, she's got the kickass girl with a ponytail in a tank top thing going for her...but then there is always that one eye thing.

Vincent Gallo makes me sick. Gross.

ARRRGH! More work! I will try not to flip out. Ok, maybe once.

late entry...
Monday, August 30, 2004 05:29 p.m.

I was so caught up in work that I didn't get to blog this morning...oh well.

Not much going on really, Fred, Shelb, and Jack stopped over last night to watch the VMAs and to play a little Halo...I was so pooped that I was in bed by 1030 and Futurama-ed myself to sleep.

Will blog about work craziness tomorrow.

Dang REPUBLICANS! Get out of my city !!!!

Bahamas--Part THREE
Sunday, August 29, 2004 05:18 p.m.

Thursday: At sea.

After all of our island adventures...the rest of the time would be on the ship. My mom got us all silver necklaces or bracelets and we just ate and just hung out ont he ship. The "Rock on Broadway" show was more of Lorena's brilliance...why isn't she huge? Man, she's hot too. Watched the Olymipcs...Misty May and Walsh, the women's soccer team... the Dream Team are a bunch of suckers. Learned that my grandma really likes tacos. She ate three in a row! Tiny, old, Chinese woman... GULP.

Friday: More on board the ship... gym, tv, wandering around... midnight strolls on the deck...looked out at the vast sea... pitch black...only lit by the moon...amazing. Had a really good time.. lots of stuff I'm probably forgetting to write about...maybe it will come to me later...but still... wow... it was what I needed.

I was wondering why I was thinking about her so much...and it occurred to me that her birthday past while I was on the ship...hmm...I hope she's miserable...but I'm sure she isn't.. oh well.

All the newlyeweds on board got me thinking...I would love a girl who is just superpretty but a little pudgy...that would be great...or a Tina Fey type...

Another thing: I worked on the studio paperwork for my CD production while I was on the ship. A few things need some more clarification...but all I have to do is get the last song recorded and mixed, text and art done, and then get the master pressed and everything off to the studio...soon soon! By October !

I'd love to go on a cruise again...but this time with friends or with a girlfriend or something. It would be loads more fun. More of the drinking, dancing kind of fun. Had a wholesome, good time on board...but I'm a little tired of being so "good." HAHHAH... I need to get in a little trouble, right ?

But I do love my family, with all the quirks, the weirdness, the faturday special, and the other random things...

Saturday: Back in Florida.. bye bye Carnival Glory! I'll miss you ! we rushed off in the van...(no BO smell this time) and go to Kennedy Space Center...we didn 't have neough time to realyl enjoy it...but it was a lot cooler than I thought it would be ...all the bus drivers were "sassy seniors" that were really funny...and there were loads of vultures there...hahah waiting for the drivers.

Flight...home...Chris and DVDs... loads of email...mostly junk...and getting ready for work. Cleaning up and planning for another wedding and another trip... the RNC has me a little nervous....but I'm hoping for the best.

Anyhooo...I'm sure I'll remember other stuff. It's good to be home. I don't want to go to work...but I'm glad to be back. Miss me? I missed you.

Bahamas: Part TWO
Sunday, August 29, 2004 04:55 p.m.

Tuesday: St. Thomas

So we pull into St. Thomas and have to wait until the whole boat goes through immigration until we can get to the island...we finally get onto shore and sign up for a bust tour...we end up going to Coral World...pretty neat...iguanas all over, huge sea turtles, stingrays in pools, and indoor aquariums...it was just amazing to see all these fish. Right next door is COKI Beach...so we get some tropical drinks and head to the beach for some snorkeling...which I can't do!

I manage with some goggles and go under water...first two seconds...I see fish! I scream underwater...FISH!!!! Right by our feet! My dad and brothers go towards the rocks and snorkel...I go down and hold my breath and see all sorts of fish... we get DOGBONEs to throw in the water...so that fish will come eat? not really...anyways... it was awesome...the only bad part...sea urchin!

I get a little spine in a finger...it's still there...but it doesn't hurt...but Justin manages to get like five or six in his hand and one on his foot. Some of the native people try to dig it out with a fish hook...and then use hot wax...cause they say that the urchin splinters are alive and move...um...right.

So Justin screams like a P.O.W. and gets hot wax on his hand...and the splinters don't come out. In any case...when we get back on the ship later...the doctor says...it's just calcium and that it will get absorbed...no big whoop.

Anyhoo...the island is just insanely beautiful, the waters are unimaginably blue and clear...and the rest of the tour takes us to the mountian top and other sites. Just amazing...reminded me of Hong Kong actually...

Some souvenirs...got a st. thomas key chain and mini mug that said "Abraham"...very rare! Anyways...back to the ship for more food and other assorted ship stuff.

Wednesday: St. Martin/ St. Maarten

Dutch/French island. Off the boat earlier and we get a taxi tour aroudn the island with Anna. This island seems more industrial...like Hong Kong...not as nice as St. Thomas...but still pretty neat... we drive around and hit some touristy shopping center for some more souvenirs...and get to Divi Little Bay... awesome beach..we only have two hours to go snorkeling...and I leanr how to do it finally!

The beach was better than the one we went to on St. Thomas...since there were less rocks and more fish. Amazing...saw all sorts of fish...mostly zebrafish and Dory ones (from Finding Nemo) and all sorts of other things. Snorkeling totally makes a huge difference.

Another sea urchin! My dad actually caught it and was going to crack it open and have soem fresh "uni" ...but he decided not to...thank goodness. And Eric found a hermit crab in a tiny shell..it was bright blue and orange and just amazing... And then we found a huge HUGE monster sea urchin... but no one could move that.

Justin steered clear of those...but he's my little greasy, sea otter...he's really good at swimming and diving to get shells...we got so many amzing looking bits of shell and corral...just incredible. An island paradise. We stopped by a few more places...Fort Louis...and others... but didn't get to se the nude French beaches...crap! But as the cruise director said...it's an island of three tracks...foot prints and nipple drags... (old man nipples!) ... NAKED old people !!! EEEW!

I took Justin into town...while the rest of my family went back to the boat. We stopped by the "Yoda-guy" this guy who helped design Yoda had this shop where he sold his art...very bizarre...but we stopped in and took some photos and got an autographed litho... more souvenir shopping and cheap beer...back on the ship.

Two funny stories: All the 007 talk must have gotten to me. Eric got up in the middle of the night and pinched me because I was snoring...I was so mad! I was like " You snore worse than I do! I just sleep through it!" ...so when he was snoring...I woke up and like 007...told the room: "Record!"...hahah I must have been delirious with island pleasures.

When my family went to eat... and my Dad ordered like 3 entrees...Eric asked Nelson "Have you seen another family order like this?" He replied, "Honestly, no." We are exceptional. He did say some guy ordered 6 filet mignons...so I don't feel too bad...but man, our family is gross. HHAHAHAH...

Man, this blog does not do the trip justice. Part three coming up.

yeah, mon... the trip to the Bahamas! PART ONE
Sunday, August 29, 2004 04:27 p.m.

Saturday: So we get to the airport and on the plane...man, so tired... half-slept and stopped in Tennessee for brief layover...had the WORST headache of my life on the plane...the pressure was terrible...but what worried me the most was the sharp, prickly, thousand needles pain that shot to my forehead...oh man, I can't even describe how bad it was...very scary, actually.

In Tenn...we were there at like 9:30 in the morning and still managed to get a Corky's famous pulled-pork sammich...heh.

Finally arrive in Florida. My dad made arrangements with a driver to drive us to the cruise ship...and we got in this smelly, BO filled van...and get to the port in Cape Canaveral.

So...we see the Carnival Glory...and get on board. Our rooms were pretty nice...my folks and a huge room with a balcony ...and me and Eric ended up sharing a decent room... Justin and my grandma stayed with my folks comfortable...and we ate... MAN...this will be a recurring theme...FOOD and more FOOD...and high quality stuff too.

Our servers for most of the trip were these two Filipino guys, Nelson and Augusto... they would be doing some work!

Sunday: We ate loads...breakfast buffet...my FAVORITE...and we pull into Nassua: the capital of the Bahamas.

Nassau was pretty cool...we originally were going to go on a tour...but ended up just taking a ferry ride and going off by ourselves.

Things I learned: Richard Harris (Dumbledore to most) had a house there, "Thunderball" and "Never Say Never Again" both shot famous scenes in Nassau. Lots of rich people retire there.

Went to the Atlantis hotel for some cheezy touristy shots...and took photos and looked at the huge indoor aquarium...rainstorm...and then...we got some Cuban tobacco goods. Eric's been smoking a pipe lately...don't ask.

Back on the ship for some shows and some more food. Swimming on board..etc. The "Livin' In America" show was pretty good...cheezy Vegas production...but the head girl...Lorena something...was amazing! Why isn't she a huge star? The guy...ugh...terrible...same generic Broadway voice I've heard a billion times...

Some decent comedy...and a late night buffet that had burgers and hot dogs...that we pretty much went to every night we were on board...heh.

Monday: All day at sea...on our way to other islands...went to the amazing gym they had on board...went to the HOT tub...and more swimming and relaxing on board.

Recurring thing: The first night they had a "welcome show" and these two people kept getting brought up over and over again...this guy Wily Banger...yes, that's his real name... had his pants fall down at one point...and this guy Lemarr got chewed out by his wife because he wasn't romantic...so anytime the cruise driector (fat Brit named John) said "Georgia" ...Lemarr would have to dance to the Mexican Hat Dance (and Lemarr is a HUGE guy) and then have to say this speech about how he and his wife would ahve a "Yabba, Yabba Doo time!" (Uh...it's "Yabba DABBA doo", Lemarr) in any case...they would get prizes if Lemarr did this everytime John mentioned "Georgia" (where they were from) ...sigh...you had to be there.

More food...more random shows... Justin made a whole posse of friends...It was hard for me and Eric to meet anyone because they were mostly families, newlyweds, or old singles...so it was weird...we were basically, to our knowledge, the only people our age.

Another weird thing... Eric said that he wanted to "smoke up".."smoke a bowl" and all these "marijuana" references when referring to his old man pipe...which I thought was pretty hilarious. I had a few COHIBA cigarettes I bought...they were awful...I saved them for Chris...heh.

Man...still lots to blog about... I need a break.

Back with Part TWO in a bit.

here come some blog entries! Jen's weding first...
Sunday, August 29, 2004 04:14 p.m.

Well, I'm back...sunburned and tan... I'll get to the whole Bahamas thing in a bit...first off: Jen's wedding.

Friday: After work...I went home to get changed and ready for Jen's wedding...Man, it was hot outside and I had to wear a suit,.. Got ready to go and got to the St. Regis hotel in time.

The wedding ceremony was pretty...and it was a little odd since it was the first, mostly secular one I went to. I really don't like the whole secular aspect...I definitely want a Christian wedding (and I plan on marrying a Christian girl) one day.

The weirdest thing is ...I think Mike looks an awful lot like Jen's brother, Jeff...weird!

Gary came, but Lisa was home because her grandfather and recently passed away, Kaori and Andy, Diana and Tony were late and missed the whole ceremony, and Carmen and Vash (I spell it like the Trigun character...since I don't know how to spell it) came...I'm really glad that Jen and Carmen patched things up...things would have been weird without her there.

Doris came with me and she looked lovely... she knew a lot of Mike's friends...which was nice for her. What was nice for me...was one of Jen's coworkers...Liz. She came with some guy named Brian...I thought they were together...but apparently not. In any case... the reception was a lot of fun...drinks abound...and th eband was...fun...but a little odd. I had loads of fun dancing with the girls and swinging them around... and Liz asked me to dance...OW! Hot!

In any case, I found out from Jen that Liz was single...so ...eh...we'll see what happens...but most likely nothing.

So, how did I feel knowing that the first girl I had real feelings for is now MARRIED? Not much. We've been friends for so long...and we've had history that no one really knows about. I love Jen for who she was, who she is and who she will be...but those feelings? Puppy love that was never really actualized. We'll always have a special friendship...but in the end...I'm always the odd one out, aren't I ?

Doris...she had a good time...I'm glad she came with me...and in the end...I'll either be one of her "best men" ...or we'll end up getting married...who knows?

Finally, Carmen and Vash drove me to 71st... where they live now! Eric came to pick me up and there was some miscommunication...so it definitely took awhile for us to get home...Carmen's getting married in a few months too...wow...I really need to get a move on.

And...got an hour of sleep and off to the airport!

SO ...I'll blog about the trip next.