Headaches and weight loss

So I weighed myself last night out of pure curiosity and found out that since I started at Starbucks, I have lost ten pounds. I kid you not. I guess there is a bonus to stress after all. Not the best way to go about it, but whatever works, right? I'm actually quite proud of myself for loosing the weight. It's not that I've ever been big or even struggled with my weight, but before starting at Starbucks, I was feeling very out of shape. This is no longer the case, believe you me. One thing that I did not expect about this job is how physical it is on a daily basis.

That was my rave, now here's my rant. Lately I have been getting some random headaches. It's not just at work, either. They will just come on, annoy me for a few minutes, and then go away. Since it has been crazy hot lately and I admittedly I haven't been consuming enough water, it's probably just dehydration. Why I'm bringing it up, I don't know, other than it's a bit of a nuisance at times. They aren't even bad headaches, just odd timing ones.

Something else (and it might also attribute to the headaches) I have been doing lately that I don't like doing is clenching my teeth. I will catch myself doing it and then relax my jaw, only to catch myself doing it a short time later. This I know is stress related and it is definitely something that I don't want to make into a habit. So if any of you out there know how fix this, I'm all ears.

Other than that, I'm in tip, top, shape. I have been doing a lot of yard work these past few days and I have noticed how much more in shape I am. It feels good to be so active and I have been lucky enough to have been so lately. I noticed, just now, that I am developing a sunburn on my shoulders from all the mowing and such. Not complaining, just noticing. My previous sunburn has developed into a nice tan (which is rare for me to have).

Not much else is new with me. I am in the middle of a long stretch of work (eleven days straight) and I will be glad when that is over with. I will be transferring to another location soon and I am looking forward to it. This new location (literally!) is further north than the one I am at now and quite a bit more distance. Regardless of that, I have high hopes for this new adventure that I am about to embark on.

Anyway, I need to get to bed. I have an early day tomorrow-actually today; and I need to get my rest. I will post again soon.

Movie mania!



As it is summer, I have begun to watch movies again. Lots of movies. So this post will be a quick run down on all that I have seen recently (both in the theater and on DVD).



Spider-Man 3: Three and a half to four stars. By far the best of the three Spider-Man films. It has something for not only the die hard Spider-Man and comic book fans, but also those who aren't into them at all. Definitely a two thumbs up movie.



Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World's End: Four and a half stars. Wow, see this movie. If you see nothing else this summer, or even this year, see this movie. It seriously is that good. Do be warned though, if you haven't seen the second one (and I know people who still haven't yet), you need to see it before seeing this film. And for those of you who have seen the second but not the third, this one is by far the best out of the three.



300: Four stars. Yeah, I know, it's been out for quite a while and I saw it quite a while ago, but it's been a while since I've done any movie reviews on here. Yeah, all the rave is true and none of the gore is gratuitous (think Braveheart).



Night at the Museum: Three and a half stars. It was definitely funny and I really liked Robin Williams as Teddy Roosevelt.



My Date with Drew: Four and a half stars. Yeah, yeah, I can't shut up about this movie; so you might as well watch it to see why I can't stop talking about it.


The Nativity Story: Four stars. One thing that sets a movie above others in my book is how well they are shot. If the movie itself is beautiful, it will be a pleasure to watch. Some examples are Collateral, Panic Room, and American Beauty. These films, in and of themselves, are like paintings on a wall. A feast for the eyes. The Nativity Story would be another that I would hang in an art gallery. Sure, there's some things that I could nitpick and the pace is rather slow, but I highly recommend it; for it is a feast for the eyes.

Anywho, that's it for me now. If you see any movies that you think I will enjoy, feel free to drop me a comment. I will be sure to check it out. Until next time, take care.

Muggy

So, lately, it has been crazy humid here. And humidity has a way of short circuiting my brain. Not only is my memory effected by it, but it also has crreated problems thinking clearly. So fair warning if this post doesn't make a lot of sense.

So yeah, it has made things interesting. It takes me longer to think of the answer and my short term memory is even more short term. Good times, let me tell you. Ice water and a nice cool breeze help, but I need copious amounts of both to reverse the "damage" of the sticky weather. Oh, you know, some rain would help too.

Anyway, other than that, all is good. I'm actually enjoying my job now that everything is straightened out. Not much is new, but if something comes up, I will let you all know. Oh, yeah, one last thing. Exactly a month form today I will be going on vacation. It has been a long time coming, let me tell you.

Crisis Averted

So, I have some good news to report. I am staying at Starbucks. I talked to my manager today and everything got straightened out. She said that I'm doing an excellent job and that she's highly impressed with my customer service skills. She mentioned that there is still some operational stuff that I need to improve on (which isn't surprising considering the fact that I'm new); but other than that, she was greatly impressed with how well I am doing.
What a difference a day makes, let me tell you. I have to admit, I was feeling disappointed at wanting to leave my job so soon. But now that that is over with, I don't have to worry about it.


That's about it for news-other than that I have a mild sunburn and my food handler's permit. I am very excited about my life right now and it feels like it is going in a good direction.Take care out there and I will post again later.

Burned

So those who know me would definitely describe me as white. Another adjective that might be used would be pasty. Not anymore. That's right, yours truly now has a very red face and it's not because he's embarrassed. Couple that with my lower arms and a tender neck and you have one crispy dude.

This all stemmed from several factors. Number one is that I have been putting off getting my food handler's permit and decided that today was the day. Second, we have had the most amazing weather lately (85 today) and I spent most of my day out in it. The reason is that I happened to have gotten rather lost looking for the place to take the test. And after I had taken the test (which I passed with flying colors), I spent some more time outdoors.

Speaking of the permit, I have decided to put off quitting until I not only have another job lined up, but have started it as well. I've done this before, so I don't forsee any problems. It doesn't mean that I won't have any problems; I just don't forsee any.

Anyway, that's all that's new with me. Take care, you guys, and I will post again soon.

Couple bits of big news:

First off, at this point right now, I'm quitting Starbucks. Today I suffered some public humiliation and I am sick and tired of not being able to trust anyone and being treated inferior. I've had it and I'm not going to take it anymore.

Second, someone I know is finally getting out of a destructive relationship. Her insignificant other treated her especially bad and even said to her (and I quote) "I know I'm being shallow, but if you lost some weight, I would be attracted to you." Yeah, to know this guy, or really just to encounter him, is to hate him. I think even the word loathsome is too good for this guy, but it's the closest I can think of. By the way, apparently, that was just the tip of the iceberg of what he said to her.

Anyway, that's about it for big news. If you think about it, both were kind of something I should have seen coming, but was blindsided by them. The first one was a total body blow that I hadn't been prepared for and the second was something that was a long time coming, but was still a huge surprise.

Letting go

The hardest part of life is living it. When you wake up each morning, you are committed to living that day. Even if you go back to sleep, you are still going to have to wake up. Hiding isn't an option and it shouldn't be. This is your life and it's completely up to you how you live it.

Let me back up here. Tonight I was browsing around on the web, waiting for the first tendrils of sleep to tempt me into going to bed. I happen to be on U2's website because it's one of my favorite bands and I was looking for an unrelated lyric. What I spotted was the song "Sometimes you can't make it on your own" from the album "How to dismantle an atomic bomb" (a CD I want). This album came out a year after my dad died and this song, for some pretty obvious reasons, made me bawl each time I heard it. Not cry, bawl. It still makes me weep and it's one of the very few songs out there that have this effect on me.

I had a flashback last month (while I was in the middle of instant messaging a dear and close friend of mine no less) and the tears instantly were flooding down my face. The flashback was not from his death or even something from his final years, but it was him sitting on the couch laughing. I actually had to end the conversation because of how deeply and suddenly I was upset.

If you have ever lost someone close to you, especially a parent, the pain never goes away. You will have this on your heart for the rest of your life. It's up to you to either let it control your life or to let your life control the pain. The good news (trust me) for me is that I took the death completely personal and have since decided to not only live my life; but to treat each day as if it were my last. Let me tell you that there is a certain liberation when you know how close death really is. You stop caring about when you're going to die and start caring more about how you're going to live.

This is it folks. This is your life. Everyday is a new adventure and each life is worth living. This is how I have been living my life for the past couple of years (yes he died in '03, but '04 was total hell for me). I'm seizing opportunities that are presented to me because I might not be alive for the next one. Do I want to live a long and full life. Yes. Who doesn't? But is there any guarantee that I'm going to have the chance to? No. I've discovered how much this side of eternity is not certain.

Have I made mistakes since then. Definitely; and some whoppers at that. But that's the beautiful thing about each day. It gives you a chance to right the wrongs you made the day before. If you live your life like today's your last day, you will have truly lived. Regrets are still going to happen, no matter what. Mistakes will still be made. We are but human and humans are known to screw up from time to time. But tomorrow is still another day and with each sunrise comes a myriad of possibilities.

In closing, I have three recommendations for you. The first is a book: The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. I've read it before, but this time I'm actually following it and that makes a big difference. The second recommendation is a CD: The Beautiful Letdown by Switchfoot. By far, so far, their best CD and it also has helped me move on and live life. The third and final recommendation is a movie: My Date with Drew. I love this movie and after you watch it, you will understand not only why I am telling everyone about it; but also why it's never too late to fulfill a dream.

Take care everybody and I will talk to you all later
Cheers,
Jeremy

In this moment, I am happy. VERY happy.

It's amazing how good you feel when you get stuff that you had pent up off your chest. There is such a release in getting things off your chest and out in the open. Especially when you are telling these things to someone you care deeply about.

I've decided that from now on, it would be a lot healthier for me to, instead of keeping things inside and dwelling on them, to just say what I mean and pray for the best. Words that are left unsaid can be the ones that hurt the most of all. Even if you didn't say them for the best intentions.

Now don't get me wrong. I'm not talking about those people who are always saying "you missed a spot" or "you really blew it and that sucks". What I'm saying is that I am going to start saying things that I mean to say, but for some unknown reason, don't. I have been lucky enough to know only one person who is like the example I have given. Unfortunately, he is married to my mother, which is the sole reason why I avoid talking to her. It's a sad that I have to do it, but every time that I call her, she insists on putting him on the phone; to which a fight almost immediately breaks out. I hate him and it takes a lot to get me to hate someone.

But I digress. I realize that much of the stress that I have been experiencing has been because instead of speaking my mind like normal people do, I hold back until I wind up saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. Or even just the right thing at the wrong time. I need to work on my timing like you wouldn't believe. Ask anybody.

I guess this is the reason why I have this blog. I have been nothing but honest on here and there are times when it's the only time I can get something off my chest. I will continue to do so, but I will also try to do it more in the real world as well.

All right, I'm done. My mind is once again clear and I am definitely at peace. It's been a gorgeous day today and I would even say that it got into the mid 70s. I mowed the front yard, which means that you might get another blog soon about my back. I feel it twitching already and I have already started to stretch it so I won't be in as much pain later.

Today was a very good day.

A limo in Hell

I'm not going to lie to you here-there are days where I absolutely hate, loathe and despise my new job. Today was definitely one of those days. We were slammed all day and I could do no right. Everything I did seemed to get on the nerves of all my coworkers and I the only time I was even remotely happy was when I was talking with customers in the drive thru.

It was while I was on drive thru that a limo pulled up in the parking lot and just sat there for, I kid you not, 20 minutes. That's it, just sat there. The driver left the car a couple times to smoke and then, just as mysteriously, it left. It was the strangest thing.

Anyway, yeah, about my job. I'm not denying it doesn't have it's perks, but it isn't worth it on some days. Most days, actually. It has it's good days and really, really bad days. Such as today. I'm sick of everyone giving me that condesending look; that you should know better, but you're the new guy look. That, do we really have to put up with him look. And I'm even more sick and tired of walking into conversations that I know are about me. One thing I hate about my job is that people are constantly talking about me behind my back. I'm not being paranoid, because I have caught people on quite a few occasions. I do not enjoy working at a place where I can't trust anybody.

All right, now that that's off my chest, I feel better now. I'm sure, in the distant future, I will enjoy working at Starbucks. That all I have to do is grin and bear it and it will get better. And right now, that's all I have to go on.

Second chances and lessons learned

One thing that I have been dealing with a lot in my job is failing at something. Screwing up is a big part of the learning process and I am doing a lot of it.

Last night, because I wasn't paying attention to what I was doing, I knocked off a shot glass and it broke. While I was assured by several coworkers that it's a common occurrence, I still felt really bad; as it was the first (and hopefully last) thing that I have broken. I have also botched drinks and gotten orders screwed up and countless times I've just been in the way. But with each mistake I make, it's one more lesson that I've learned.

I've discovered that all it really takes is for me to screw up big time just once before the lesson is completely learned and I don't make the same mistake twice. If I fall really hard, I pick myself up and make sure that I don't do it again. This applies not only to my new job, but also to life in general. If I blow it big time, I won't ever do it again. All it takes is once. With each failure is one more step to succeeding.

Some mistakes I have made are huge. I am but a human and my flaws are great. I've said things that I didn't mean and meant to say things and didn't. With my words I have started fights and with my silence I have hurt others. I don't always think about what I'm doing when I'm doing it and when that happens I usually blow it. And I blame no one else but myself. When I fail, I own up to it.

This is also why I am a big believer in giving as many second chances as possible. I forgive easily and I forget even easier. I feel like every one should be allowed to speak their peace, no matter how harsh the words might be. It's often the words that aren't spoken that mean more than the words that do. While you may have lost my trust once, it doesn't mean that you've lost it forever. Anger subsides to regret, and regret brings about the possibility for forgiveness. Anger doesn't last forever, so why should grudges and hard feelings? We all have needed a second chance at least once in our lives, so why not give second chances?

Trust is very important to me. There have been people in the past who have done something to, at the time, I felt like I could never trust them again. It wasn't until I gave them the second chance that they deserved did they earn my trust back. I have lost friends and regained them on more than one occasion. This is the other reason why I am a big believer in second chances. I would have a lot less friends if I never gave anyone a second chance and even less if they never gave me one. Failure is part of learning.

Time is the biggest healer of them all, I have found. With time and some space, a lot can be accomplished. From past experiences, I have found that time often softens blows that really hurt when you received them. I am more likely to forgive someone if I've had time to sleep on it.

Anyway, enough of my ramblings. I will let you enjoy the rest of your day. But I hope and pray that you take my words to heart. Second chances are worth more than gold to me and time more than all the riches in the world. Because after you're dead and gone, all the fights and arguments mean nothing in the end. Only the hurt and loss remains.

Can't sleep

As you can tell by the time that I'm posting this, my insomnia is back in full force. I can't shut my mind off, no matter how hard I try. With the massive stress of a new job, I just can't unwind at night. My mind keeps going over past mistakes, both job related and otherwise. I hate it when this happens.

The last time this happened was last summer. I had just started college and work was being, how should I say, difficult. I had also just found out (which I think was what triggered it in the first place) that someone I had loved dearly had gotten married. Obviously not to me. It went on for literally months until my life (and job) started to calm down and an old friend from high school came back into my life.

What was the trigger this time? New job. At least, that's my best guess. Oh sure, I have some other massive stress related issues; but for me to suddenly start to loose sleep, it's got to be the new job. Then again, it might be something else altogether.

I know what I said earlier, about how much I love it there at Starbucks. What I don't believe I mentioned was how everything is on the go. From the time you start on to the time you clock out, you are constantly moving. On top of it all, I have caught several coworkers talking about me behind my back. I know I'm the new guy, but could you at least wait until I'm not there to talk about me.

So I have the big pressure of learning everything and failing miserably on somethings hanging over my head; on top of home issues that I'm not going to get into; and on top of it all, the one person who I would love to tell about all this, the very person who I used to be able to tell anything to and talk for hours about everthing and anything, I no longer can. I miss this person deeply and there seems to be nothing I can do to bring this person back.

Thus, I go without sleep-again. I get to have my nerves frayed-again. I am going out of my mind and there is nothing I can do about it.

Starbucks

So as of three days ago, I started working at Starbucks. I must say, I enjoy it immensely, esecially because I'm once again working my butt off. The shifts feel long, but they are also over before you realize it. And you would not believe how much there is to learn about coffee. It's crazy. Expect a lot of late night postings from now on, because that's now the only free time that I have.

Other than that, there's not a whole lot going on with me. My back is once again feeling better-tired, but better. No more spasms, which is always a good thing. It's still pretty much the same ol', same ol'. Now that I'm working there, I have zero free time. I'm not complaining, mind you, just noting.

Anywho, that's it for now. If anything good or dramatic happens I will let you guys know. Stay safe out there. Don't do anything I wouldn't do.

I hate my back!

So last Thursday, I spent all day helping out my grandfather by doing some much needed yard work. This included weed wacking, sawing up a fallen tree limb, and (what probably caused all of this) picking up two sections of his fence that had fallen in the storm last winter and moving them to a better location. While it was a good work out for the rest of my body, my back didn't appreciate it. At all.

I woke up Friday morning to a not so little sensation I like to call back spasms. Plural. I have had them ever since. And when my back is not spasming, it still hurts. I spent the weekend with a couple friends getting some much needed rest. It helped a little, but low and behold, the pain is back. I've tried stretching and heat and lots of pain medication. It all helps, but the pain and the spasms come back.

I am not a happy camper.

What do Seattle, Chicago, and Boston have in common? All three cities have a baseball team with die hard loyal fans despite their teams records. I, myself, am a Mariners fan and it looks like they might actually stand a chance this year. (Don't' worry, I just knocked on some wood.)

The game tonight, for example had a really bad start. Felix Hernandez, the brilliant starter who the other day pitched the entire game and gave up one hit, gave up a few runs in the first inning before taking himself out of the game. It turns out that he had some tightness in his pitching elbow, which was quite evident. The team was kind of in a slump for most of the game and then almost pulled it out in the seventh inning. For the rest of the game it was intense as to whether or not they would be able to pull it out of the bag. It was close, but they still lost. By the way, they were playing the Minnesota Twins, who basically gave the Mariners a spanking the night before. They almost pulled it through. Almost.

So there you have it. I consider myself a die hard Mariners fan. Say what you will about them, but they have the heart, as well as the skill.

Certainty? In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes. -Benjamin Franklin

So I hate the tax season. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind getting money back from the government every year. But, come on now, are they trying to make it is as confusing as possible? I swear, every year, it seems to get more and more puzzling and nonsensical.

Have you looked at the tax booklet this year? I'm looking at it right now and I'm getting the headache back. All I'm even doing is looking at it and already all the tension is back. There's at least five major forms that you have to fill out, and if you don't know which one that you are supposed to fill out, there is even more confusion. I spent most of last week trying to hunt down a missing W-2 and then trying to figure out which form I have to fill out now that I am a college student with college loans. Oy vey!

Can't there be an easier way? It's all I'm asking.

Love is a many splendid (and frightening) thing

I have been trying to mentally equate what it is like to be in love. I haven't had much success at it (equating), so the best I could come up with is it's a lot like skydiving when you are afraid of heights. All the way up in the plane, your stomach is in your throat, your hands are sweating buckets, and your heart is beating Mach 10. You can't think of anything else, no matter how much you try. And once the plane reaches the right altitude and the door opens, everything you are experiencing is increased tenfold. And yet you still take the plunge.

On the way, you experience turbulence. Lots of turbulence. Everyone tells you that this is normal and all you have to do is just ride it out. You're going to be just fine. This doesn't decrease the turbulence any less, but it does help you get through it. And once you hit a truly smooth patch, you're on top of the world. You're flying without wings. The view is breathtaking and you want to hold onto that moment forever. And then you get more turbulence and you have to remind yourself to just ride it out and that everything will just be okay.

There is also the matter of trust. You are putting all of your faith and trust in that once you pull the cord, the chute will open. Sure, you've heard stories of failed chutes and ripped out cords. But you're already in the air, so you push out all the doubts that are in your head and trust in that cord and in that chute. The last thing you want to do is to lose that trust. Trust me.

So there you have it. That's the best I could come up with. It's the scariest thing that you will experience, the risk is astronomical, but it is all completely worth it. For the view is amazing and the ride is a total rush. Just don't lose the trust of the chute. Your life does depend on it.

Easter Poem
By Pastor John Berggren

Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried;
Quietly, patiently, lovingly God replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate,
And the Master so gently said,
“Child, you must trust Me and wait.”

“Wait? You say, wait!” my indignant reply.
“Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!
Is your hand shortened?
Or have you not heard?
By Faith, I have asked,
And am claiming your Word.”

My future and all to which I can relate
Hangs in the balance
And YOU tell me to WAIT?
I’m needing a ‘yes’, a go ahead sign,
Or even a ‘no’ to which I can resign.
And Lord, You promised that if we believe
We need but to ask, and we shall receive
And Lord, I’ve been asking, and this is my cry:
I’m weary of asking! I need a reply!

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate.
As my Master replied once again,
“You must trust me and wait.”

So, I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut
And grumbled to God, “So I’m waiting…for what?”

He seemed, then, to kneel, and His eyes wept with mine,
And He tenderly said,
“I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens, and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead, and cause mountains to run.
All you seek, I could give,
And pleased you would be.
You would have what you want-but you wouldn’t know Me.

You’d not know the depth of My love for each saint;
You’d not know the power that I give to the faith;
You’d not learn to see through the clouds of despair;
You’d not learn to trust just by knowing I’m there;
You’d not know the joy of resting in Me.
When darkness and silence were all you could see.
You’d never experience that fullness of love
As the peace of My Spirit descends like a dove;
You’d know that I give and I save…(for a start),

By you’d not know the depth of the beat of My heart.
The glow of My comfort late into the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight,
The depth that’s beyond getting just what you asked
Of an infinite God, who makes what you have LAST.

You’d never know, should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that “My grace is sufficient to you.”
Yes, your dreams for your loved one overnight would come true,
But Oh, the Loss! If I lost what I’m doing in you!
So, be silent, My Child, and in time you will see
That the greatest of gifts is to get to know Me.
And though oft’ may My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer of all is still,
“TRUST ME AND WAIT!”

I guess it's kind of fitting the fact that I'm posting a blog on life on Good Friday. I've been thinking about the subject a lot lately. Life can be very confusing at times, and this is definitely one of those times. It's not a roller coaster for me at the moment, but it is more of a struggle.

This probably is making zero sense at the moment and I don't blame you. I haven't been thinking too clearly lately (ask anyone) and I'm not sure if that will change in the near future. I have a full plate and daily it seems to gather more onto it. Life is becoming an overabundance of confusion-both good and bad. I literally wonder each morning when I wake up whether or not if it is going to be a good day or not.

I assure you that the only drug I am taking is caffeine and even that I'm not having as much as I usually do. No, the thing that is driving my life nuts is, well, life. Each day has the greatest potential to be the best day I've lived on this planet and very much the opposite as well. I am very much in love with someone who isn't too fond of my existence. Unrequited love is, I guess, the best way to describe it. And it's making my life a living yo-yo. Which is why I am so turbulent at the moment. Not hostile, mind you, just turbulent.

Anyway, back on the subject of life, I have come to the realization that it all boils down to how you treat your fellow human being. Those who live their life always on the attack are wasting what precious time they have here; and those who spend it showing kindness are spending it wisely. This actually is in reference to a relationship that is not my own, but someone close to me who will go unnamed.

Those who live their life with an eternal chip on their shoulder will never do anything about it because that would require changing who they are. These kind of people are generally easy to spot because they are always trying to pick fights with everyone around them. If you are fortunate, you are able to just avoid them and move on with your life. If you are truly unfortunate, you wind up marrying this person only to realize what kind of a person they really are. Again, I am not naming names.

There honestly is nothing wrong with serving your fellow human being. We are all of the same species, so why not make life easier for one another while we are here. In fact, I find that it is those who spend their lives competely selfless to be the ones who are living it the most. I'm not saying you shouldn't take care of your own needs, I'm just saying that it is always better to live life for someone other than yourself. If more people did just one total random act of kindness, every single day that they live, they will have no regrets when they die.

Anyway, so there you have it. You can either take it or leave it. It's entirely up to you. I hope you guys all have a good Easter and I hope to post again real soon.

Update on my life.

Things have changed since my last post. So much that I'm not even sure where to start. I guess that I should start with the good news. That way if you don't want to hear the bad news, you don't have to wade through it to hear the good news.

First part of the good news. Right after my last post, I got home and discovered that my laptop charger had arrived in the mail and it was for a very paltry sum. Very. The second part of the good news is that I got a job. It's not the bank like I was hoping, but a nearby Starbucks. And not only that, but I will be getting a second interview next week to find out if I will be starting out at an entry level management position.

All right, time for the bad news. A week ago, tomorrow, I was out about about with someone very special to me. She had just gotten back from Mexico on vacation and I was looking forward to spending all day with her. The problem was that I was suffering from some food poisoning. This caused me to, well to be blunt, vomit. First in my own drive way and then in her car. She threw me to the curb and I have yet to hear from her since.

Good riddance, most will and have said. I deserve better than someone who is going to love me and then literally just leave me when I'm down. It just so happens, though, that I am very much in love with her. Still.

We have grown very close over the past few months. We talked repeatedly about how many children would be enough, what kind of wedding that she would like, very serious topics like that. We spent numerous days during the week together and even had a dedicated movie night. I felt closer to her than anyone else. I still do.

Now one would ask why someone would do this to someone else when they had grown so close. This is where I mention the fact that she is not exactly over her ex-boyfriend of five years. He moved on, she did not. Because if she truly had moved on, she would not have done this to me.

Why I am even posting this is that I need to get it all off my chest. I have talked with only relatives about this and I feel that I need to tell a wider audience. If she reads this, which would greatly surprise me because she seems to want nothing to do with me, I hope and literally pray that she will realize what she has done and come back to me.

I know I deserve better. I don't want better. I want her back and I want her back for good.

Happy St. Patrick's Day.

Well, sort of. I know it's tomorrow, but I'm not sure if I will be online then, so I decided to do it a day early. Let's see what's happened since I last blogged.

First off, the power charger on my laptop decided to melt down. Literally. I have since been looking for a new one that isn't going to cost me an arm and a leg. That was a while ago. Since then, getting online has been a hassle, to say the least. Which is why it's been a while since I've posted.

Second, I am in the middle of a career change. I am fed up with retail and have since applied and been interviewed (twice!) for a local bank. Much better hours, much better pay. The thing is is that I don't find out for another seven to ten days. Good times, let me tell you.

Third, I will be getting a car. I would say that I'm getting a new car, but since it was built in the early seventies, it's not so much new. This car used to be my Dad's and I found out from my mother that she is willing to give it to me soon. When she didn't say, just soon. This car is very important to me due to all the memories that are tied with it. It used to be, when I was still in school, that summer didn't start until I washed it for the first time. And now it's mine.

There is something else that is both new and good in my life, but I cannot divulge it at this time. Those who are aware of the situation both know what I'm talking about and why I can't announce it as of yet. But stay posted for when I can.

Anyway, I hope you stay well out there. Have a good weekend.

Cheery bunch, aren't they. Here's an excerpt from the AOL article I got it from:

Astronomers are monitoring an asteroid named Apophis, which has a 1 in 45,000 chance of striking Earth on April 13, 2036.
Although the odds of an impact by this particular asteroid are low, a recent congressional mandate for NASA to upgrade its tracking of near-Earth asteroids is expected to uncover hundreds, if not thousands of threatening space rocks in the near future, former astronaut Rusty Schweickart said.
"It's not just Apophis we're looking at. Every country is at risk. We need a set of general principles to deal with this issue," Schweickart, a member of the Apollo 9 crew that orbited the earth in March 1969, told an American Association for the Advancement of Science conference in San Francisco.
Full article:http://news.aol.com/topnews/articles/_a/un-urged-to-take-on-asteroid-threat/20070218175909990002?ncid=NWS00010000000001

So you got that? First off, 1 in 45,000 are actually really good odds. Better than winning the lotto. Better than being struck by lightning. Probably better than being in a plane crash. Second, it's not like it's the first time. Both Earth and our Moon are littered with craters from past collisions with space rock.

Who should take care of the problem? Good question. The article suggests that the UN should take care of it, but I'm not so sure they have the capability to do it. A joint project between the US, Russia, and China would be much more preferable and probably more successful. Anyway you look at it, someone's got to do something about it. Otherwise your just inviting disaster.

Anyway, not to be all pessimistic, but this is a dire risk that we can't just ignore. And the fact that it is so imminent is even more reason not to ignore this. Because even if this one misses us, it doesn't mean the next one won't.

When you were young...

...there were no limitations. The sky wasn't the limit because there was no limit as to what you could achieve or who you could be. So what happened? Why is it that now we are adults, suddenly there's goals we can't achieve and walls we cannot overcome? What happened between then and now? Is reality so harsh that we are stuck to just one track in life? Or has the loss of youth meant the loss of dreams?
This is it. You're only go around on the carousel that is life. You have your ups, you have your downs. Either way, you move on to the next stage in life. And for the most part, blindly going from one place to the next with no true ambition to actually live life to the fullest.
So I ask all of you out there this question: Is there any way we can once again embrace that part of us that believed anything was possible that we seemed to have lost after puberty? And if so, why aren't we?

Isolation
Friday February 2, 2007 10:38PM

From a simple twist from Fate
I find myself alone
Accompanied only by my thoughts
Left to visit the myriad of regrets
That haunt my sleep and poison my dreams
I am alone

Shipwrecked on the deserted island that is Life
With no help on the horizon
If I were to send smoke signals
It would only clutter up the sky
For no one is looking
My plight is but my own

Alas, but no man is an island
We as a race are a whole
So why is it I am lost in a sea of individuals?
Surrounded by the people who do not see me
And once again, I find myself
Alone.

Are you who you want to be? Is this where you envisioned yourself to be at your age? Have you superceded your own expectations, or are you waiting for life to truly begin? I have asked myself these questions lately in an attempt to evaluate my life. So far, twenty-six seems to be the age of reflection and redirection. No more blind hopes for tomorrow and making plans and not following through with them. That seems to be a real problem for me- to plot something out and then not act upon it. Not sure why I do it either.

No more am I going to stop myself from succeeding, I have thus concluded. I don't need to be my own worst enemy. Why wait for life to begin when you are not living the one that you already have. That is my true goal for this year and for all the ones that follow it. I'm not going to have a better paying job if I don't apply for one. I'm not going to see the world if I don't get on that plane. I'm not going to be published if I don't write that book.

Am I saying that it's not going to be hard work? Of course it's hard work. So much of my life has been about helping others that I haven't truly forced myself to live the life that I want to. I'm sick and tired of setting goals for myself and then not following through with them. No more. But of course, easier said than done. Every journey begins with a single step. It's time for me to put one foot in front of the other.

What started this sudden change of thought, you may ask. I have to say that it has to do with seeing friends of my getting married and starting a family. People I used to joke around with are settling down and getting serious with life. It's my turn. The way I feel is that we have but one go around on this planet and I feel like I'm just collecting dust. I'm not going to be the guy at the ten year reunion who was the same person he was when he graduated. And thirty is just around the corner.

Anyway, I just had to get that off my chest. I hope you guys have a good day. Take care.

Old fart

By the time you read this, I will have turned 26. And let me tell you, it's not pretty this side of 25. My thirties are fast approaching and even before that, I have my first high school reunion to look forward to. I (obviously) still have time before both events and in that time I am (still) planning on not only writing, but publishing my first book. I just wish I knew what it was about.

You see, the delema I currently have is that I have, oh, thirty great starts and that's about it. When it comes to commit in the writing department, I'm what you call lacking. So what I will probably wind up doing is writing a book of short stories. Those seem to be popular right now. Or I could do a poetry one, but I don't have enough poetry. I know, details, details.

Anyway, I just thought I would pass that onto you, my Dear Readers. Feel free to comment if you wish. Just remember what Thumper said.

2007

I have high hopes for this year. It's just begun and it already feels different, in a good sort of way. I've already made out my New Year's Resolutions and this year I actually plan on keeping them. What a concept!
Anyway, one of those is to travel more. Over the last two years, I haven't had much, if any, opportunity to travel and I dearly miss it. I'm one of those people who loves to fly and I already have a couple flights picked out. I need to stretch out my legs and see the country. I need some down time and it's about time to have some.
Another one of my resolutions is to write everyday. So far I have yet to fail, and I consider this post to be my day's ration of writing. It just seems like I don't have as much time to do it as I used to. And when I do have time, my well of creativity is dry. Anyway, enough griping.
I will try and post more this year. Of course I say that every year, but whatever. To my dear and faithful readers, thank you for sticking with me. And to those who are new, welcome.
So may 2007 be a good year and may all of your endevours be successful ones.

Yes, I am now back in the Christmas spirit. There will be no "bah humbug" from me. Which is exactly how I spend most of this month feeling. The more I wanted to be in the mood, the less likely I would be. On top of people just driving me nuts, I was ready for the holiday to be over with even before it got here.

What changed? First off, the windstorm that knocked out power made me appreciate how much we truely take for granted. Second was the kindness and generosity of my coworkers throughout this time has definately raised my spirits. When I actually started my Christmas shopping really put me in the mood for the season.

So I tip my glass of eggnog to you, my faithful readers. May you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. And December's Book of the Month is Skipping Christmas by John Grisham.

Are you in the Christmas spirit?

I'm not. I don't know why, but I just can't get into the mood this year. It's not like I'm pulling a Scrooge or anything; it's just I can't get into the mood. Nothing works either. I've blasted myself with Christmas music, sought out Christmas movies, even went around and looked at Christmas lights. The only result is that I'm bummed out by the fact that everyone else seems to be in the mood and I'm not.
Maybe I'm trying to hard or something, I don't know. Normally I get into the Christmas spirit easily, but I just can't get into the mood this year. This year I'm just looking forward to it being over, which is not normal for me at all. Anyway, that's what is going on in my world.

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!

So, when I woke up yesterday morning, there was somewhere between a trace and an inch of snow on the ground-depending on where you are. It melted (of course) and I thought that I had seen the last of it for a while. I was wrong. Today, all day, it had threatened to snow and even did a little bit here and there, but it didn't accumulate into anything. It wasn't until tonight when there were flashes of lightning as well as several peals of thunder before the snow really began to fall. It's still snowing as I write this and there's a good two to three inches out there, at least.

Yes, I'm one of those people who loves snow. I find it calming and I love the sight of it. It just has this magical quality to it. So, in the immortal words that famous carol: "let it snow, let it snow, let it snow."

Happy Thanksgiving.

Well, sort of. You see, even though it's after midnight, I have yet to go to bed, so thus, it is still technically Thanksgiving. So I say to you, Happy Thankgiving.

I know I have been slacking on posting here, but I have been going a million miles an hour in every direction. Let's see what happened in November, up until now. I've reread Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and I am now rereading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (either one can be considered November's Book of the Month). I actually had a nice Thanksgiving with my grandparents, my aunt, and my mother and her husband. Those who have ever encountered him will be stunned and surpised that the entire time they visited was actually pleasant (or as close as that's possible). I found out that my store is closing actually for good due to the fact that it went bankrupt. I found another job and have been working there one day a week, which means I now basically have one day off a week. I have managed to keep what's left of my sanity while the world seems to be spinning out of control. So yeah, that's how November has been for me.

I hope all is well with you.

WARNING-The following is the result of a random philosophical moment I just had. Bear with me.

So, how do you spend your time? We are given a set amount of years, months, days, hours, etc. in which we exist upon this earth. In that amount of time, we live our daily lives, and about 95% of each day is on autopilot. We get up in the morning, get ready for work, work, go home, eat dinner, maybe watch a little television before heading off to bed and starting the cycle all over again.

During this time, how often do you help others? Do you hold the door for a person who’s hands are full, or tip your local barista, or even trade seats on an airplane so a family can sit together? The decisions we make, even in a split second, can mean a lot when they add up. The simplest action can mean so much more, even if you don't suspect that it does.

We've all been the shoulder when a friend needs one, but how often has a total stranger opened up to you? It has happened to me many times, and yet, it still seems odd each time. I am no more human than you are, yet people have confided in me some really dark stuff. I dispense advice, if I can, all I really am is an ear for them to speak to. Some people just have so much pent up, that even if it's a total stranger, they release so much pain and confusion when they can. All I can offer is some common sense advice and a kind word. It isn't much to me, but it's the world to them.

What I'm getting at is this: if all you do is help someone in a small way each day, you day is never a waste. And in the end, it really does matter.

Happy Halloween

Yes, it is that time of year once again. The jack 'o lanterns are lit, the trick or treaters are out, and the scary movies are being watched. And while Christmas is lurking in the back of your head waiting to pounce on you, take the time now to enjoy the fall leaves and the morning frost. There is nothing like the smell of wood smoke to really put you in the fall mood. While, yes, the days are getting significantly shorter and the sun significantly colder, there's nothing like a long walk on a brisk day.

Enjoy your Halloween. Oh, and by the way, Boo!

I have an official announcement to make and I figured that this was the best place to make it. The announcement is: being sick sucks. For about a week I have been slightly under the weather. By taking various vitamins and abstaining from my usual overdose of caffeine, I have been able to keep it at bay. Until today, that is. I woke up this morning and my entire body ached. I stood up and immediatly felt light headed. As I was preparing to shave, my left nostril began to bleed. This is not a good thing. Needless to say, I called in sick and have been taking it as easy as possible today. No longer is my nose bleeding (otherwise I would be typing this in the hospital), but I still ache and am slightly lightheaded. And nothing sounds better right now than a very long nap. In fact, that's not a bad idea...

I swear that I am going nonstop nowadays. I feel that the days are rushing by at 90 miles an hour. Between college and work, my free time is miniscule. And one thing that I definitely need (just ask anyone who is around me) is a vacation. And yet, that is not going to occur anywhere in the near future.
Am I griping? I guess I am a little. But for one thing, I am definitely not bored with my life. I don't have the time to be bored. And it's not like my life is falling to pieces. It's just on a runaway bullet train. I feeling like I am not accomplishing what I should be. But I don't feel as if I am wasting my life either. Anyway, I just felt like getting that off of my chest. By the way, the Book of the Month for October is Dracula. I've read it before and it is definitely worth a reread.

September, what a month you've been.

This month literally began with college. I had signed up for the wonderful University of Phoenix (online of course) and my first day of college was September 1st. This has been one of the reasons why I have not had any free time to post on here. My book of the month that I did was The Blue Nowhere by Jeffrey Deaver. This is quite the exciting thriller that delves into the world of computers. I posted on here a memorial to one of the victims of September 11th since the five year anniversary was this year. And to cap it all off, I had a promotion and have been working full time. Very full time. I hope your month went well. See you next time.

My 9/11 tribute to Sgt. Timothy A. Roy.
We all live our lives one day at a time. Some days are more exciting than others, but rarely do our lives go to any extreme. There's only a select few who can say that their lives are truely more exciting than the rest of us. Sergeant Timothy A. Roy, 36, was one of those people who truely lived his life to the fullest. He was appointed to the NYPD on July 8, 1985, and began his career on the NYPD with a patrol in Neighborhood Stabilization Unit 13. Some say that the number 13 is an unlucky one, but it wasn't for him because he was promoted to sergeant in March 1991. In November 1995, he was assigned to the Traffic Control Division, Bus Unit where he would spend the rest of his career. He also worked in the 68, 71 and 73 Precincts in addition to his duties in the Bus Unit. He was"transitized" almost immediately, even though he was not in with the Transit Unit. On September 11, 2001, he gave his life while saving the lives of others. Even though he was off duty, he rushed in to try and save as many people as he could. Heros are created through their actions and Timothy Roy Sr. was and is definately a hero. We all leave behind loved ones when we die and those that he left was his wife Stacey; their children Brittney, Caitlyn and Timothy Jr; his mother Ida Mae; his sister Linda; and his brothers James, an active firefighter but his brothers Doug and John are both retired firefighters, Gary, a retired Housing police officer, and Kenny. His late father Kenneth was a retired FDNY firefighter. He came from a line of heros and he lived as a hero and he died as a hero. We are all in debt to those who paid with their lives saving others.

Tuesday Morning (September 11, 2001)
August 28, 2006
1:00 AM
By jeremy
Tuesday morning
All is calm and serene
A gull takes flight
To a cloudless sky
And Lady Liberty watches on
Tuesday morning
Messengers of hate
With blackened hearts
And poisoned minds
They also take flight
After putting up a fight
Tuesday morning
Lives are lost
Chaos ensues
Two pillars of smoke
From two mortally wounded towers
Fire also burns from the Pentagon
Tuesday morning
They fought back
Giving their lives
So others would not be lost
Tuesday morning
As the Twin Towers fall
A nation cries and grieves together
As Lady Liberty watches on

As some of you know, I have an older sister. I do not get a chance to see my older sister much because she lives a couple time zones away from me. So when she does come to visit, we have a blast and the time just flies away. The last time she came here (in January if I recall correctly), I got to see my niece for the first time in person. She (my niece) will almost be nine months old and from what my sister has been telling me, she has changed quite a bit. Anyway, there's a reason why I am babbling on about my sister. She will be coming here in a couple days for her ten year high school reunion. She will be staying here for six days, and from what it sounds like, those days will fly past. Anyway, that's what's happening in my world.

Quick note: The Perseid Meteor Shower is this weekend (August 11-12). I plan on standing (or sitting) in a very dark field and enjoying the show. It starts at around midnight and usually doesn't peak until 4 am. Just thought I would pass that along.

Is it August already? Wow, has the time flown. Anyway, what's new with me. I am officially a student at the wonderful (online) University of Phoenix. Yes, this is my second week as a college student and I must say, it's a lot of hard work. Although most of the issues I have had to deal with have got to do with the fact that I am using dial up, and that tends to make things rather aggravating. Second, as of yesterday, I have a shaved head. No, I did not join some cult or fascist group; I just really needed some cranial air conditioning. And man does it feel good. So that's what's going on with me. It's been a pretty mellow summer if you don't count my insane schedule. But that is life.

Here's something funny that my Mom sent me via email. I hope you enjoy it.

"You Might Be From Washington if:
1. Know the state flower (Mildew).
2. You feel guilty throwing aluminum cans or paper in the trash.
3. Use the statement "sun break" and know what it means.
4. Know more than 10 ways to order coffee.
5. Know more people who own boats than air conditioners.
6. Feel overdressed wearing a suit to a nice restaurant.
7. Stand on a deserted corner in the rain waiting for the "Walk" Signal.
8. Understand that if it has no snow or has not erupted, it is not a real mountain.
9. Can taste the difference between Starbuck's, Seattle's Best, Veneto's and Tully's.
10. Know the difference between Chinook, Coho, and Sockeye salmon.
11. Know how to properly pronounce Sequim, Puyallup, Issaquah, Skokumchuck, Stilliguamish and Pend Orielle County.
12. Consider swimming an indoor sport.
13. Can tell the difference between Japanese, Chinese and Thai food.
14. In winter, go to work in the dark and come home in the dark -- while only working eight-hour days.
15. Never go camping without waterproof matches and a poncho.
16. Are not fazed by "Today's forecast: showers followed by rain," and "Tomorrow's forecast: rain followed by showers."
17. You cannot wait for a day with "showers and sun breaks."
18. Have no concept of humidity without precipitation.
19. Know that Boring is a town in Oregon and not just a state of mind.
20. Can point to at least two volcanoes, even if you cannot see through the cloud cover.
21. You notice "the mountain is out" when it is a pretty day and you can actually see it.
22. Put on your shorts when the temperature gets above 50, but still wear your hiking boots and parka.
23. Switch to your sandals when it gets about 60, but keep the socks on.
24. Have actually used your mountain bike on a mountain.
25. Think people who use umbrellas are either wimps or tourists.
26. Knew immediately that the view out of Frasier's window was fake.
27. Buy new sunglasses every year, because you can't find the old ones.
28. You measure distance in hours.
29. You often switch from "heat" to "a/c" in the same day.
30. You use a down comforter in the summer.
31. You design your kid's Halloween costume to fit under a raincoat.
32. You know all the important seasons: Almost Winter, Winter, Still Raining (Spring), Road Construction Summer), Salmon runs season (Fall).
33.LAST ONE. PEOPLE IN SEATTLE DON`T TAN , THEY RUST!"

Ahh, writer's block

Now you might find it a little odd that I am writing about having writer's block, but I am. I have had this particular form of mental constipation (sorry about that, but there is no other way to describe it) for quite a while now and I am even finding difficulty forming an email. This is not good.

Now, supposedly, there are remedies, but none that I have tried have succeeded. I have done the whole changing of scenery (although part of my problem was that I did not venture far), I've tried to jot down some poetry-which usually works but I couldn't get a single line out, staring at a blank wall, you get the idea.

So if any of you have any remedies that actually work (other than physical injury to myself or others or the absurd notion of quitting caffeine) please feel free to share. I greatly appreciate it.

Post Script: This should come to a big surprise to no one that this is a short post.

Declaration of Independence

In honor of our nation's two hundred and thirtieth birthday, I decided to post the very document that brought it into effect. Upon signing it, each and every man who did became guilty of treason in the eyes of the king and had they lost the War of Independence, they all would have hanged. I just thought I would pass on that tidbit of information. This was found at the National Archives website: http://www.archives.gov/national-archives-experience/charters/declaration_transcript.html

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only. He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures. He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent: For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offencesFor abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people. He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands. He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
The 56 signatures on the Declaration appear in the positions indicated:
Column 1: Georgia: Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton

Column 2: North Carolina: William Hooper Joseph Hewes John Penn
South Carolina: Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton

Column 3: Massachusetts:John Hancock
Maryland:Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton
Virginia:George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot, Lee Carter Braxton

Column 4: Pennsylvania: Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross
Delaware: Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean

Column 5: New York: William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris
New Jersey: Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark

Column 6: New Hampshire: Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple
Massachusetts: Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat, Paine Elbridge Gerry
Rhode Island: Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery
Connecticut: Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott
New Hampshire: Matthew Thornton

Seattle Post Intelligencer: June 27, 2006 in the A&E section

Harry, others may die in the end, J.K. Rowling says
Author J.K. Rowling said two characters will die in the last installment of her boy wizard series, and hinted Harry Potter may not survive, either.
"I have never been tempted to kill him off before the final because I've always planned seven books, and I want to finish seven books," Rowling said Monday on London TV. "I can completely understand, however, the mentality of an author who thinks, 'Well, I'm gonna kill them off because that means there can be no non-author-written sequels. So it will end with me, and after I'm dead and gone they won't be able to bring back the character.' "
Rowling declined to commit herself about Harry, saying she doesn't want to receive hate mail.
"The last book is not finished. But I'm well into it now. I wrote the final chapter in something like 1990, so I've known exactly how the series is going to end," she said.

Good News!

Last Thursday, a couple things changed for the better. First off, when I woke up, my knee wasn't swollen and I could actually bend it without it hurting. In fact, it did not hurt at all. Second, when I arrived at work, I found out that the location where I work was not closing after all. While I was rather overjoyed with the news, I am still skeptical as to weither the decision is final. I would have posted the good news earlier, but I had a rather busy weekend. I am still considering a part time position at a local Starbucks; because after all, it wouldn't hurt to have a little extra cash. I have also decided to check out the online University of Phoenix. A college degree goes a long way.

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."
-Martin Luther King, Jr.

How much do you stop and think? How often to you ponder all the things you take for granted? Even the simple act of breathing is fascinating when you stop and think about it. Those who have any sort of lung condition can fully appreciate all it takes just to take a breath. The entire digestive system that we take for granted is a very complex process that normal people do not think about until there is something wrong with it. How grateful are you of every meal that you eat? Do you ever stop and think of all the people out there who are going without?

We put so much faith into our daily lives that it is only when something goes wrong do we feel our emotions. Why is that? Why can we not bring our emotions out when we don't need them? What is so taboo about having feelings and expressing them?

When you experience something for the first time is when you appreciate it the most. I can still remember the first meteor shower I saw. There is nothing more humbling than viewing the night sky in a field. The stars above you are so unappreciated that it is truely unfortunate.

Doubt in something does not make it any less real, and an open mind is where ideas flow freely. Try to prove what ever you believe in, even if it is only to yourself. I try and do that at least once a week and I have yet to fail myself.

And finally the less you take life for granted, the more likely you are to appreciate it and enjoy it.

Tales from the Gimp

As if my life isn't insane enough, I had the brains to hurt myself at work. We're not talking rush to the emergency room, just (from what I can tell anyway) a sprained knee. But the way people look at me when I limp about, it's as if I have contracted this horrendous disease and that I am contagious. If I weren't in pain, I would find this highly amusing.

Anyway, my life, in a nutshell, is chaotic. I have been helping out a certain elderly person out of the kindness of my heart, but it has definitely made life "interesting" Now that I am injured, life has become even more difficult. Since she only has one cane, it would be rather rude of me to borrow hers when she needs it more than I.

Since I found out that the location I work at is closing, I have suddenly been recruited to help move another location to a smaller location in the same area. Confused? Join the club. It was in this process where I happened to have tweaked my knee.

At least the people who aren't avoiding me like the plague are a lot more considerate with my physical situation. Both, by the way are good things. You tend to get a lot of work done when you are not constantly interrupted. And dealing with physical pain and restraint does tend to make you move quite a bit slower.

Anywho, that's what's going on in my life. I figured that for the Book of the Month for June, July, and August just pick three classics that you have not already read and do so. May your days be filled and your nights restful.

Just so you know.

I found out a week ago today that the company I work for is closing the location where I work. I have decided that rather than transfer to another location, I am going to find another job. Hopefully Starbucks.

Money, Money, Money

I was rather bored today, so I decided to look up which countries had the most billionaires. As you can tell, this was a rare morning where I had plenty of time on my hands. I normally don't, so I guess that was why I was even online. Anyway, without further ado:
1. USA
2. Japan
3. Germany
4. Italy
5. Canada
6. Switzerland
7. France
8. Hong Kong
9. Mexico
10. UK

There you go. Although I personally do not know any billionaires (or millionaires for that matter) it does not surprise me that we were number one. I had just assumed that the UK would have been higher on the list. I just thought that you would enjoy this little bit of trivia.

It has come to my attention that people aren't really as aware to their surroundings as they imagine they are. I have been walked into, stumbled over, and unintentionally ignored quite a bit. I have been known to repeat the same question to a person several times before they realized that I am talking to them. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence. I have literally had days where my voice goes hoarse just from repeating myself over and over.
Now my voice is not exactly the loudest in the universe, but it is no mouse squeak either. Even if I speak up, it doesn't always work. Or they just think I am yelling at them when I am not. Most of the time, people have this surprised look on their face and ask if I was speaking to them and then apologize. Happens all the time. But occasionally someone will have been deliberately ignoring me and will be offended when I persist. Of course these people come into the store with a chip on their shoulder, so I know it is not my fault. I usually ignore them, because they obviously do not need any assistance.
Anyway, that was my thought of the day. By the way, the Book of the Month for May is Scourge of God by William Dietrich. It is a novel about the Roman Empire and Attila the Hun.

Ah, Spring...Nature's bipolar season

It has come to my attention that I should expect nothing this time of year. Just as I brace myself for a vertical river produced from the charcoal clouds above me, they move on and the sun actually brings some warmth to my skin. But should I make the mistake of taking down that umbrella, I would be met with a very cold shower that I was not expecting.

Am I whining? I'm not sure. I am definitely not expecting much, which means that my hopes are often raised by the solar rays. I actually have a tan, which was brought about by the more frequent sunny days. Although the fact that I am making this announcement will only bring about certain waterworks. At least there aren't any thunderstorms...Yet.

What is the blog entry really about, you may wonder. I do not mention the weather much here and it is not entirely about the weather. For there are other aspects of it that make it nature's bipolar season. The grass, for example, will not stay down no matter how many times you mow it. Sure there are plenty of flowers about, but how many of them are weeds that you are going to have to extract from the ground? Life in general becomes more chaotic this time of year due to things you might have put off and other things that you weren't expecting. Then there's baseball. Never, ever bet on baseball because it's about as predictable as the weather.

I guess that is my real complaint here. I am a baseball fan. It is easily my favorite sport. And yet the home team in which I root for, which SHOULD be doing good, is in fact, not. Why? I haven't a clue. They are about as trustworthy as the temperature. But, like the skies above us all, I have zero control over the outcome.

Anyway, I've ranted long enough. May your days be warm and your lawn be short.

Ah, rain.

There's nothing like the smell after a rain on a summer's day. Except of course if it's spring and it's been raining for a few days. Then it's just depressing. First off, that fresh, clean smell as been washed away. Second, there's no sun in the sky because it's filled with rain clouds. And the temperature, let's just say it is not exactly warm. In fact, it feels like an extension of winter. And with May not too far into the future, this is not a good thing.

May is always the best way to gauge how summer is going to be. June has the habit of starting out like March. It is rather gloomy and wet, but somewhere around the second or third week, summer arrives. So if you want a preview of the rest of the summer, go with May. Trust me on this. If May is cold and damp so will be July.

Anyway that's my thought for the day. I hope you have a good one.

Yes, Yes, I am still alive.

I know I haven't blogged in a while, but time has just gotten away from me. I am currently reading the April Book of the Month (A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking) and I am enjoying it immensly. He really has a way of explaining the universe in plain English. I will try and blog soon (hopefully tomorrow when I have more time to) and it will be a longer one. Anyway, I will post later. Bye.

Books of the Month: March and April

Yes, I know that March is almost over, but the book of the month (if you were wondering) is The Taking by Dean Koontz. All I can tell you is that it involves: T.S. Eliot, the end of the world and an alien invasion. If this has peaked your interest, you will not be disappointed. This has been one of the best books by him that I have read.

For April, the book of the month is A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking. I have yet to read this book, but the reviews have really peaked my curiosity. I have read On the Shoulders of Giants, which was a collection of five famous science papers done by five famous scientists (Copernicus, Galileo, Newton, Kepler, and Einstein) which he did commentaries on and I found it fascinating. Anyway, enjoy, and I hope that these two will really make you really think about the stars above you.

You may delay, but time will not
- Benjamin Franklin

I have been thinking lately of the continuous march of time. Regardless of where you are or what you are doing, it is always in motion. It pushes us forward, whether we like it or not, whether or not we are prepared. Like the weather, it is unbiased in its motion. For time stops for no one. Money, fame, and power have no effect on the stopping of the eternal ticking. Regardless if you live in London or the Sudan, time moves equally.

Why then do we waste it? Why do some spend their ever vanishing days loafing about, waiting for their life to begin, instead of living the one they have? What purpose do they suppose they are succeeding at with this behavior? The pendulum stops for no man. We have no more control over it than we do the rain.

C. S. Lewis put it best when he said "The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of 60 minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is." With each sun rise brings about new possibilities. No matter what the day before contained, the new one brings about. As the sun arches across the sky and settles in beyond the western horizon, we have every opportunity to change the world, no matter how small the contribution may be. It matters not if you are a brick layer or a rocket scientist, you have every opportunity to make time as valuable as you wish. Embrace it while you still can.

In this day and age we only have the limits we put for ourselves. Technology has made it able for any man to become a millionaire, to give yourself your fifteen minutes of fame. There are those who do not realize this, but this does not mean that they are any less worthy than those who do. To those for whom their motto is carpe diem will always surpass those who's motto is "I'll seize the day... tomorrow".

Why, may you ask, is am I suddenly waxing philosophic? It strikes me that if we as a species lose the ability to do so, then we have truly failed. Man was meant to ponder about the things around him and those who do not have become blind to the world. For imagination and curiousity are the true fuels of the mind. There is no such thing as a scientist who does not ask "what if". There will never be a final frontier for the mind.

I hope you make the best out of the time you are allotted. May you have a good day and the ones that follow after.

Fangs for the memories.

First off, let's get one thing straight. It is practically a rule in Hollywood that the sequel of a movie is supposed to suck. No pun intended. Anyway, there are rare instances (Terminator 2) where the sequel far succeeds the original. This is one of those exceptions.
Underworld:Evolution takes off from the first movie and it is helpful (but not manditory) to have seen the first movie. There are flashback sequences (from the first film) interladen in the film that give you enough backstory to progress the movie along so you do not get lost. It's helpful for those such as myself whose memory is less than perfect. And they are placed where they should be, unlike other sequels where the flashbacks should not have been in the movie to begin with. Another thing is that this movie has more of a flow to it, which the first film was lacking in various places. This film never became stagnant, which in my book is a good thing. It kept progressing at the same speed (which the first one did not) and had a very satisfying ending.
The best way to describe it is that it is a very visual movie. Despite that it is dark (literally) throughout most of the movie, it is also very captivating. Yes there is plenty of violence, blood, and some nudity; but how should any of this be a surprise. Overall, I would give this film four out of five stars. Considering the fact that there are a lot of disappointing vampire films out there, this one is not one of them.

Another website for the week:

This week I thought I would provide for you two different blogs for the website of the week. They are: http://blogs.herald.com/dave_barrys_blog/ and http://mskarensplace.blogspot.com/ Both are quite jovial and should be shared with others. Dave Barry, as you know, is the famous columnist for the Miami Herald and his column is also syndicated with many other newspapers. His blog is basically an extension of his columns. Ms. Karen's blog, I would have to say, is blogspots equilivant to Dave Barry. Her postings can really get me laughing hard.

I just thought I would share these two with you. I am also going to put Ms. Karen's in my links. Enjoy.

Website of the week:

This website is one that is near and dear to my heart. So not only will I be making it a website of the week, but I will also include it in my links. The site is www.engrish.com which for those who are unfamiliar, it is a very hilarious website that deals with the quirks of the Engish language in Asian countries. On many occasions, it has brought me to tears from laughing so hard. Word of advice though, it is best viewed with friends so others can enjoy it as well.

Happy Valentines Day

Hey, I just wanted to wish everyone out there a Happy Valentine's Day. I strongly suggest to movie King Kong (five stars) if you are aiming for a good date movie, Chronicles of Narnia (three and a half stars) if you have kids, and Underworld: Evolution (three and a half stars) if you're a single guy such as myself. If you are taking your special someone out to eat, the Olive Garden is always a wise choice. And should you decide to just stay in and rent a movie, the perfect choice would be The Princess Bride (four stars). To those of us who are without a special someone, may Cupid's arrow find its target and for those for whom he has already struck, may your love be as strong as the first time you felt it.

Book of the Month: February

The Book of the month for February is a novel by Dan Brown titled The Da Vinci Code. Of course every one in the world other than myself has read this book, so I decided to jump on the band wagon and find out what all the fuss is about.

Movie Review: King Kong
Easily five stars

Words cannot fully describe the beauty of Peter Jackson's creations. His latest King Kong is by far the best. Powerful and moving, this is the film that movies want to be when they grow up. This is truly the reason cinema exists.
It takes a lot for me to want to pay full price for a movie. With the average cost hovering around ten dollars and matinees above five; there isn't much out there to justify spending your hard earned cash on. This is not the case with King Kong. It is definitely worth every penny.
With Oscar season around the corner, it would be a disgrace to the entire film industry if it doesn't win "Best Picture". Jackson's last film Lord of the Rings: Return of the King,, swept up the trophies and this picture deserves to do so as well. This is a sentiment that I am sure that I am not alone on.
I honestly have to say that this film will cast a large shadow upon Hollywood. The bar has now been set and it won't be surpassed easily. Even Speilberg's Jurassic Park looks like a student film next to this one. It will take some time for another film to come close to this one, and it will probably be made by Peter Jackson.

Footnote: As I was leaving the theater, I overheard a teenage girl say that "it was the dumbest movie I've ever seen". Maturity is not prevalent witht that age group, so I won't hold it against her.

Website of the week:

My selection for website of the week is none other than http://movies.yahoo.com/mv/upcoming/ which used to be upcoming movies.com before Yahoo took over. The content hasn't changed much (as in they don't update too often), but I have found it to be a very useful website. I hope you enjoy it as well.

Well, since one of my resolutions was to read more, I have decided to start a Book of the Month. There is no need for anyone else to participate (I am not Oprah, so I won't flog you if you don't join), I just will be posting what book I am reading for the month. So for the month of January, the Book of the Month is... the Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. I figured that the first book should be some sort of personal improvement, because well, I honestly could use some. I also am reading the book the way it's intended to-one chapter a day. Since my free time is rather sporadic, it's perfect. It is also very thought provoking, which is another good thing.

I have only just started reading the book, so I will be reading that as I move into February's selection, which I will announce later. Unlike my website of the week, I actually plan on posting a different book for each month. Again, the whole improvement thing.

Guten Tag.

Happy birthday to me!

I have done it. I have finally survived for a quarter of a century. Now mind you that this really isn't much of a feat, but when you have come as close to death as many times as I (stupid drivers who don't pay attention to what they're doing), you begin to appreciate life a little more.

Even though it is Friday the Thirteenth, I will not let that ruin my day. I have plans, not big ones mind you, but plans none the less. I plan on getting the most out of today as I can while spending as little as I can. It's a goal. I also plan on seeing family, eating dinner out, and renting a movie. I hear that Hollywood Video will let you rent a free movie on your birthday, so that is one of my goals. Oh well, I better go. After all, I wouldn't want to waste my day on the computer.

You can't help getting older, but you don't have to get old. -George Burns

As it is the new year, I decided that I should probably post my first website of the (theoretical) week. This site was shown to me by my cousin with the suggestion that I make it one of my websites. I like it. So thus I present to you... http://bluepyramid.org/ which is one of those quiz websites that is humorous; but at the same time this one is also thought provoking. There is other content on this website which I have not viewed because I have had so much fun with the tests. There is literally a myriad of different possibilities to each test. In short, if you don't have a lot to do and you happen to be online, why not try it out. You may discover something about yourself.

Happy New Year (finally)

I have decided to start the new year (plus or minus a week) with the very sage advice that Mary Schmich from the Chicago Tribune gave to the graduating class of 1997.

Ladies and Gentlemen, wear sunscreen.
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be IT.
The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience.
I will dispense this advice now.
Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they have faded. But trust me, in 20 years you’ll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can’t grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked.
You are NOT as fat as you imagine.
Don’t worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday.
Do one thing every day that scares you.
Sing.
Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts, don’t put up with people who are reckless with yours.
Floss.
Don’t waste your time on jealousy; sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re behind. The race is long, and in the end, it’s only with yourself.
Remember compliments you receive, forget the insults; if you succeed in doing this, tell me how.
Keep your old love letters, throw away your old bank statements.
Stretch.
Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know still don’t.
Get plenty of calcium.
Be kind to your knees, you’ll miss them when they’re gone.
Maybe you’ll marry, maybe you won’t, maybe you’ll have children, maybe you won’t, maybe you’ll divorce at 40, maybe you’ll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary. Whatever you do, don’t congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself, either. Your choices are half chance, so are everybody else’s. Enjoy your body, use it every way you can. Don’t be afraid of it, or what other people think of it, it’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever own.
Dance. Even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own living room.
Read the directions, even if you don’t follow them.
Do NOT read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly.
Get to know your parents, you never know when they’ll be gone for good.
Be nice to your siblings; they are your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.
Understand that friends come and go, but for the precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography in lifestyle because the older you get, the more you need the people you knew when you were young.
Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard; live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.
Travel.
Accept certain inalienable truths, prices will rise, politicians will philander, you too will get old, and when you do you’ll fantasize that when you were young prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders.
Respect your elders.
Don’t expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund, maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse; but you never know when either one might run out.
Don’t mess too much with your hair, or by the time you're 40, it will look 85.
Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it’s worth.
But trust me on the sunscreen.

May you have a good year.