i'm a level 39...LEGIT
see how you compare...AND help feed people. win-win situation
Top 5 Songs You Should Listen To...this week at least
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Free Rice and Fun For All
i'm a level 39...LEGIT
see how you compare...AND help feed people. win-win situation
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
You Really Should...
check out my tumblr
and get one yourself
and "follow" mine and i'll "follow" your's
be able to post anything from anywhere
do it
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
A Splash of Fresh
"i gotta take what i'm making and turn it into something for you...
oh i gotta break what i'm making and turn it into nothing for you..."
So congratulations Josh. You updated your blog a little. I finally got the initiative to fix the width problem I had with my template. I like how it looks now. Plus I went ahead and updated my "Now Watching" and "Now Listening". A word of advice? Go watch and listen with me. I would never lead whatever readers I have astray with poor recommendations.
Well, a little over one hour of work done with for the day. I think I spent the majority of that commenting on a Live Journal post by Michael. The opportunity he's finding in the Twin Cities makes me so very happy but his hesitance and self-doubt makes me sad. Michael is an amazing guy. I have yet to meet many other people that have impressed me as much as he has. Especially so at his stage in life. He's relatively young compared to me and the open canvas of his life is all the more exciting for me to see where his path takes him. If you're reading this Michael, the next 5 years of your life are the most pivotal. Always strive to be someone worth writing about.
I was just wondering there if Michael would actually read this. I don't know if he checks my blogspot account but then I realized that I'm sure I'd inevitably post this on my LJ account anyway.
I feel as if I'm constantly in a state of dual citizenship or something.
Blogspot/LiveJournal
Myspace/Facebook
Mac/PC
Iowa/Illinois
Chinese/German
Dual monitors at work and home
I find some sort of comfort and identity in a state of duality. I think more than anything, I've been defined by it from birth and am inevitably drawn toward it in my life. Is this a good thing? I have no idea. I do know that I'm comfortable and happy with my life and the state I do exist in. I guess it's a day by day and case by case type of definition.
Maybe why I've never voted? Can't split my loyalties more than 50/50?
...Nope, still just because politicians are dumb.
"I'm like a paper bag but the bottoms wet
It must be something bleeding internally inside
I didn't know the things that you never did could stay with you your whole life"
oh i gotta break what i'm making and turn it into nothing for you..."
So congratulations Josh. You updated your blog a little. I finally got the initiative to fix the width problem I had with my template. I like how it looks now. Plus I went ahead and updated my "Now Watching" and "Now Listening". A word of advice? Go watch and listen with me. I would never lead whatever readers I have astray with poor recommendations.
Well, a little over one hour of work done with for the day. I think I spent the majority of that commenting on a Live Journal post by Michael. The opportunity he's finding in the Twin Cities makes me so very happy but his hesitance and self-doubt makes me sad. Michael is an amazing guy. I have yet to meet many other people that have impressed me as much as he has. Especially so at his stage in life. He's relatively young compared to me and the open canvas of his life is all the more exciting for me to see where his path takes him. If you're reading this Michael, the next 5 years of your life are the most pivotal. Always strive to be someone worth writing about.
I was just wondering there if Michael would actually read this. I don't know if he checks my blogspot account but then I realized that I'm sure I'd inevitably post this on my LJ account anyway.
I feel as if I'm constantly in a state of dual citizenship or something.
Blogspot/LiveJournal
Myspace/Facebook
Mac/PC
Iowa/Illinois
Chinese/German
Dual monitors at work and home
I find some sort of comfort and identity in a state of duality. I think more than anything, I've been defined by it from birth and am inevitably drawn toward it in my life. Is this a good thing? I have no idea. I do know that I'm comfortable and happy with my life and the state I do exist in. I guess it's a day by day and case by case type of definition.
Maybe why I've never voted? Can't split my loyalties more than 50/50?
...Nope, still just because politicians are dumb.
"I'm like a paper bag but the bottoms wet
It must be something bleeding internally inside
I didn't know the things that you never did could stay with you your whole life"
Friday, March 7, 2008
I Woke...
"I woke, cold and alone
Adrift in an open sea
Caught up in regrets
And tangled in nets
Instead of your arms wrapped around me
And I wept, but my tears are anathema here
Just more water to fill my lungs
I hear someone scream
"God what is it we have done?"'
-5:20am-
A bit dramatic perhaps but beautiful words nonetheless. In reality, I randomly lay down to nap last night around 6:30 or 7:00PM.
I just woke up at 5AM.
Such a ridiculous feeling. The initial feeling of disorientation and confusion quickly replaced by disbelief and then an almost humorous, "wow, I can't believe I just fell asleep for a half day".
So what do you do at 5 in the morning when you're in an almost 2 year schedule of waking up at the precise moment to get to work on time (5 minutes late) every morning without a minute to spare or waste? Well, for this young man, this morning he decided to go peel 12 potatoes and boil them. Yep, that's what I have going on at this precise moment. Figured I'd make a large batch of Ultimate Mashed Potatoes while I have some extra time. Also, the above lyrics from the new Thrice album are in my ears and frankly, I'm as happy as I've ever been.
Last night in the hour between getting off work and passing out, I did manage to download the new Protest the Hero, He Is Legend and Thrice. I can't lie. I'm pretty damn excited to give all three a thorough listen.
*checking potatoes*
Water was boiling, diced the last few potatoes, placed them all in pot to boil. Yes....I'm going to put in butter, milk, turkey bacon and hopefully sour cream if I have it. I'm excited.
-5:27am-
I still have the top half of my work clothes on. Oh well, anything is comfortable if you put a comfy sweatshirt on top over it.
I rented Feast of Love yesterday. Might suck but it looks pretty good and for that reason alone, I'm excited to watch it.
Next item on the agenda. It's Friday. That means that I obviously have to work at 7:30am (exactly 2 hours from now) but the difference this Friday is that unlike every other Friday in the past 21 and a half months approximately (other than last Friday), I have to work immediately after getting off at 4:00pm at Best Buy. Yep, until 10:30pm. That's a 15 hour day boys and girls. Did it last weekend and I managed and I'm sure I'll do it again but still, always sounds more intimidating to say out loud.
Is this extra part time job worth it? Let's break it down.
Pros:
-$500 or so extra income each month
-Something to do at nights besides sit around and/or fall asleep for 12 hour spurts
-A great social networking opportunity
-A chance to get off my ass and actually move around at work
Cons:
-A chance to get off my ass and actually move around at work
-A major drain on my free time
-Less opportunity to go out of town on the weekend
-Long, tiring days
Lots of data there floating around. Oh well, I suppose it's worth some time. Worse comes to worse, I can breakdown and cry at the store and quit. No big deal, right?
-5:34am-
Wonder how my potatoes are doing. I'll have to check them here in a little bit.
My eyes are going to be sore today. I didn't take my contacts out like a cholo so they're in bad shape as is. Plus I'm spending this time looking at a computer screen. Even having my glasses on is hurting them. Ruh roh...
Let me go take a look at those taters...
.....
They still have a fair amount of time left to go...
That means you're probably stuck with me for a while longer.
-5:40am-
Time goes slower when you're not in dire need of it. Strange.
So life's been an interesting mix of events lately. Mainly positive but I suppose enough negative to keep things in line and in balance. I'm still in the midst of a transitioning out of a relationship which is always a thought provoking time. I'm trying to spend this time learning why or why not to be in a committed relationship with someone. I'm much more familiar with the whys and certainly could learn more about the why nots.
California has been quite a theme on mind lately. I finally bought my ticket to LA the other day. I'm going there May 21-26 and I'm pretty darn excited about it. About every 5-6 months is the most I plan to stay away from the smoggy airs of California. I'm going there to visit my brother and cousin and to get some work done at my cousin's tattoo shop in Pasadena. Pretty much just paying for my plane ticket out there. Don't think I'll spend nearly as much money as I did in December so that's a plus. On top of that, I'd love to hear from Imvu about certain things that could transpire in the future. Basically, a lot of it comes down to uncertainty. But not in a bad way. Rather, an adventurous and unknown feeling of "in the next year, anything could happen". I am nowhere near ready but that's okay because to be honest, I don't even know what being "ready" means. It's ball deep or go home and I think that's really how things are going to be for at least a little while longer in my life.
I mean, truth time. I don't even know what I have going on past like next weekend. This weekend is full of work. One after that is friends visiting. One after that? Might go to Dubuque depending on my work schedule. One after that is my last weekend in the condo so I'm sure it'll consist of some moving. One after that, no idea. Same goes for the 6 or so after that until I head to California after work on Wednesday, the 21st of May.
Oh my...
-5:52am-
Potatoes are getting close to being ready to mash.
My alarms are going off in like 40 minutes or so. Tempted to close my eyes for a little bit before that happens. Doubt I will though.
Haven't been inspired to blog for quite some time and oddly enough, I woke up and this is one of the first things I thought about doing. Other than making mashed potatoes of course.
Well, it's been fun...go live a great weekend...I miss and love many of you.
Adrift in an open sea
Caught up in regrets
And tangled in nets
Instead of your arms wrapped around me
And I wept, but my tears are anathema here
Just more water to fill my lungs
I hear someone scream
"God what is it we have done?"'
-5:20am-
A bit dramatic perhaps but beautiful words nonetheless. In reality, I randomly lay down to nap last night around 6:30 or 7:00PM.
I just woke up at 5AM.
Such a ridiculous feeling. The initial feeling of disorientation and confusion quickly replaced by disbelief and then an almost humorous, "wow, I can't believe I just fell asleep for a half day".
So what do you do at 5 in the morning when you're in an almost 2 year schedule of waking up at the precise moment to get to work on time (5 minutes late) every morning without a minute to spare or waste? Well, for this young man, this morning he decided to go peel 12 potatoes and boil them. Yep, that's what I have going on at this precise moment. Figured I'd make a large batch of Ultimate Mashed Potatoes while I have some extra time. Also, the above lyrics from the new Thrice album are in my ears and frankly, I'm as happy as I've ever been.
Last night in the hour between getting off work and passing out, I did manage to download the new Protest the Hero, He Is Legend and Thrice. I can't lie. I'm pretty damn excited to give all three a thorough listen.
*checking potatoes*
Water was boiling, diced the last few potatoes, placed them all in pot to boil. Yes....I'm going to put in butter, milk, turkey bacon and hopefully sour cream if I have it. I'm excited.
-5:27am-
I still have the top half of my work clothes on. Oh well, anything is comfortable if you put a comfy sweatshirt on top over it.
I rented Feast of Love yesterday. Might suck but it looks pretty good and for that reason alone, I'm excited to watch it.
Next item on the agenda. It's Friday. That means that I obviously have to work at 7:30am (exactly 2 hours from now) but the difference this Friday is that unlike every other Friday in the past 21 and a half months approximately (other than last Friday), I have to work immediately after getting off at 4:00pm at Best Buy. Yep, until 10:30pm. That's a 15 hour day boys and girls. Did it last weekend and I managed and I'm sure I'll do it again but still, always sounds more intimidating to say out loud.
Is this extra part time job worth it? Let's break it down.
Pros:
-$500 or so extra income each month
-Something to do at nights besides sit around and/or fall asleep for 12 hour spurts
-A great social networking opportunity
-A chance to get off my ass and actually move around at work
Cons:
-A chance to get off my ass and actually move around at work
-A major drain on my free time
-Less opportunity to go out of town on the weekend
-Long, tiring days
Lots of data there floating around. Oh well, I suppose it's worth some time. Worse comes to worse, I can breakdown and cry at the store and quit. No big deal, right?
-5:34am-
Wonder how my potatoes are doing. I'll have to check them here in a little bit.
My eyes are going to be sore today. I didn't take my contacts out like a cholo so they're in bad shape as is. Plus I'm spending this time looking at a computer screen. Even having my glasses on is hurting them. Ruh roh...
Let me go take a look at those taters...
.....
They still have a fair amount of time left to go...
That means you're probably stuck with me for a while longer.
-5:40am-
Time goes slower when you're not in dire need of it. Strange.
So life's been an interesting mix of events lately. Mainly positive but I suppose enough negative to keep things in line and in balance. I'm still in the midst of a transitioning out of a relationship which is always a thought provoking time. I'm trying to spend this time learning why or why not to be in a committed relationship with someone. I'm much more familiar with the whys and certainly could learn more about the why nots.
California has been quite a theme on mind lately. I finally bought my ticket to LA the other day. I'm going there May 21-26 and I'm pretty darn excited about it. About every 5-6 months is the most I plan to stay away from the smoggy airs of California. I'm going there to visit my brother and cousin and to get some work done at my cousin's tattoo shop in Pasadena. Pretty much just paying for my plane ticket out there. Don't think I'll spend nearly as much money as I did in December so that's a plus. On top of that, I'd love to hear from Imvu about certain things that could transpire in the future. Basically, a lot of it comes down to uncertainty. But not in a bad way. Rather, an adventurous and unknown feeling of "in the next year, anything could happen". I am nowhere near ready but that's okay because to be honest, I don't even know what being "ready" means. It's ball deep or go home and I think that's really how things are going to be for at least a little while longer in my life.
I mean, truth time. I don't even know what I have going on past like next weekend. This weekend is full of work. One after that is friends visiting. One after that? Might go to Dubuque depending on my work schedule. One after that is my last weekend in the condo so I'm sure it'll consist of some moving. One after that, no idea. Same goes for the 6 or so after that until I head to California after work on Wednesday, the 21st of May.
Oh my...
-5:52am-
Potatoes are getting close to being ready to mash.
My alarms are going off in like 40 minutes or so. Tempted to close my eyes for a little bit before that happens. Doubt I will though.
Haven't been inspired to blog for quite some time and oddly enough, I woke up and this is one of the first things I thought about doing. Other than making mashed potatoes of course.
Well, it's been fun...go live a great weekend...I miss and love many of you.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Our Hearts Are Heavy and Light...
RIP Bianca (Laura) Vocke - 17 years old - December 11th, 2007
RIP Ashley Pins - 23 years old - December 26th, 2007
RIP Jason Gleason - 25 years old - January 11th, 2008
RIP Jessica Wand - 20 years old - January 14th, 2008
RIP Erin Schoenhard - 23 years old - January 18th, 2008
This has been a season of sorrow and of grief.
Far too many beautiful lights have been extinguished far too early.
God, please let the thousands upon thousands affected by these tragedies find peace.
"Our hearts are heavy and light...we laugh and scream and sing...our hearts are heavy and light..."
RIP Ashley Pins - 23 years old - December 26th, 2007
RIP Jason Gleason - 25 years old - January 11th, 2008
RIP Jessica Wand - 20 years old - January 14th, 2008
RIP Erin Schoenhard - 23 years old - January 18th, 2008
This has been a season of sorrow and of grief.
Far too many beautiful lights have been extinguished far too early.
God, please let the thousands upon thousands affected by these tragedies find peace.
"Our hearts are heavy and light...we laugh and scream and sing...our hearts are heavy and light..."
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Weaver at the Loom
I took a trip last Friday after work to DeKalb to see the Minnesota based band, The Weaver at the Loom play at the House Cafe. Only a handful of people were there to see Weaver open for Loose Lips Sink Ships and The Giants, two instrumental bands from DeKalb and Iowa respectively. Weaver sounded just as amazing live as they do recorded. In the last 4 months or so since I've started listening to them, they've easily become one of my favorite bands. Incredibly talented, full of potential; their 5 song thematic EP "I Was Searching and I Found" is but a taste of what I feel they're capable of. Soaring vocals from guitarist Izaac and keyboardist Dan intertwine beautifully with gorgeous instrumentals just dripping with melody. Cheesy description? You bet. Listen to their EP on their Myspace from start to finish. Then listen to it again. Then listen to it one more time with the lights dimmed and your eyes closed. And then tell me what you think. Beautiful music makes life that much more beautiful.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Case in Point...
[08:55] Mike Johns: what are you doing tonight
[09:00] Mike Johns: and are those your faggy bath salts
[09:01] Morello172: no, not my salts
[09:02] Mike Johns: haha.....steve is so gay
[09:02] Morello172: yeah, what a faggot
......PAUSE......
[09:03] Mike Johns: is that sarcasm i sense?
[09:03] Morello172: haha
[09:03] Morello172: anyway
[09:03] Morello172: going to dekalb for a show
[09:00] Mike Johns: and are those your faggy bath salts
[09:01] Morello172: no, not my salts
[09:02] Mike Johns: haha.....steve is so gay
[09:02] Morello172: yeah, what a faggot
......PAUSE......
[09:03] Mike Johns: is that sarcasm i sense?
[09:03] Morello172: haha
[09:03] Morello172: anyway
[09:03] Morello172: going to dekalb for a show
Thursday, January 3, 2008
<3Noon<3
[15:28] njklug20: this is noonan
[15:28] njklug20: i was looking through my aim names
[15:28] njklug20: and klug left his password saved
[15:28] njklug20: on my laptop
njklug20: hey cider its noonan
njklug20: I pwn aim sn's as well as wallters
njklug20: wallets*
njklug20: but not spelling bees
[15:30] Morello172: hahahahahaha
[15:30] Morello172: that's good
[15:30] Morello172: but i was thinking just something black mail worthy
[15:30] njklug20: ok
[15:30] njklug20: umm
[15:30] Morello172: haha
[15:30] Morello172: don't fail me noonie
[15:31] njklug20: you have until 5 pm saturday to deliver 5,000 aborted baby fetuses and 25 dollars in unmarked 1 dollar bills to me or all the girls on your buddy list will find out that your gay
[15:31] Morello172: hahahaha
[15:32] njklug20: im gonna get off this
[15:32] njklug20: i dont want people thinking im klug anymore
[15:32] njklug20: that makes me boring
[15:28] njklug20: i was looking through my aim names
[15:28] njklug20: and klug left his password saved
[15:28] njklug20: on my laptop
njklug20: hey cider its noonan
njklug20: I pwn aim sn's as well as wallters
njklug20: wallets*
njklug20: but not spelling bees
[15:30] Morello172: hahahahahaha
[15:30] Morello172: that's good
[15:30] Morello172: but i was thinking just something black mail worthy
[15:30] njklug20: ok
[15:30] njklug20: umm
[15:30] Morello172: haha
[15:30] Morello172: don't fail me noonie
[15:31] njklug20: you have until 5 pm saturday to deliver 5,000 aborted baby fetuses and 25 dollars in unmarked 1 dollar bills to me or all the girls on your buddy list will find out that your gay
[15:31] Morello172: hahahaha
[15:32] njklug20: im gonna get off this
[15:32] njklug20: i dont want people thinking im klug anymore
[15:32] njklug20: that makes me boring
Notes to Self...
*Don't have ridiculous immersing dreams during the waking up process in the morning that cause you to be 30 minutes late to work.
*Don't not shower and have hair sticking up as you hurry to work.
*Don't do any of the above on the morning two new techs start.
*Don't not shower and have hair sticking up as you hurry to work.
*Don't do any of the above on the morning two new techs start.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Who's Up For Some Memories?
“Grab Max”
Here’s to the “we should do this more often”s,
The “why haven’t we thought of this before”s,
And the “this is so much fun”s
Here’s to all the moments spent,
memories faded but bonds strengthened
Here’s to what we lose in the blink of an eye yet gain in a single beat of the heart
To the days we’ve spent planning, wishing and dreaming
And to the nights spent hoping tomorrow would last a lifetime
Down and to the Left...*
So it's a new year. What does everyone have to say to that? These are quite LITERALLY once a year happenings. No seriously, wrap your mind around that. *sarcasm*
So what does 2008 and the prospect of a new year mean to everyone? Is it...encouraging? Discouraging? Hopeful? Full of Regret? Fearful of? Brimming with nothing but Joy? There is not even a remote chance of me being able to describe and encapsulate the range of emotions that one can associate with such an event. It's beyond me and I'm content with that. It's the 2nd day of the month AND year already. 1st day back at work and the 8,108th day of my life. Life certainly allows itself to be numbered. I appreciate that on a certain level but feel that it takes away a certain level of zeal from the process we so humbly refer to as Living.
So happy new year everyone. What chances are you going to take to turn your life into something worth shouting about? Sometimes the most exciting form of living is just doing ANYTHING different. Turn the ordinary into extraordinary and drink deeply of life. The beauty, the passion and the complexity. It's all important so don't forget a thing.
*Dedicated to Ms. Lauren Albracht
So what does 2008 and the prospect of a new year mean to everyone? Is it...encouraging? Discouraging? Hopeful? Full of Regret? Fearful of? Brimming with nothing but Joy? There is not even a remote chance of me being able to describe and encapsulate the range of emotions that one can associate with such an event. It's beyond me and I'm content with that. It's the 2nd day of the month AND year already. 1st day back at work and the 8,108th day of my life. Life certainly allows itself to be numbered. I appreciate that on a certain level but feel that it takes away a certain level of zeal from the process we so humbly refer to as Living.
So happy new year everyone. What chances are you going to take to turn your life into something worth shouting about? Sometimes the most exciting form of living is just doing ANYTHING different. Turn the ordinary into extraordinary and drink deeply of life. The beauty, the passion and the complexity. It's all important so don't forget a thing.
*Dedicated to Ms. Lauren Albracht
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
I'll Make My Stand
Tragedies aside, there is one main component of the formula to appreciating and cherishing life that I know of. And that ladies and gentlemen is living it. Through the pain and the sorrow, the joy and the bliss; life is bigger than it all and slows for no one.
After something as tragic as Bianca's passing happens, it's hard to talk about other "less important" things. Do you know what I mean? I basically feel guilty for caring about things in my life that in the light of the tragic circumstances, seem trivial and unimportant. I think that's one of the hardest obstacles to overcome in the pursuit to cherishing and appreciating life. I guess too often death can overwhelm and hinder it's antithesis and cure; Life.
I just returned from California where I was visiting for my cousin's wedding. My dad's family are all in California, in the Los Angeles area so it was great seeing most of them. I haven't seen anyone on that side of the family in almost 8 years, since my grandmother's funeral. My half brother Sammy who I used to be fairly close to when I was younger, lives out there now too. He does architectural work for a construction company during the week and tattoos at my cousin Peter's shop on the weekend. Seeing him and visiting Peter at his shop was awesome.
My cousin Ann got married to her fiance Stephen. (Ann * lawyer) + (Stephen * IT director at the top school district in California) = a rich set of newlyweds. The wedding was really nice and just an amazing experience all in all. Between the beautiful and wonderfully short ceremony to the reception at the incredible Empress Harbor Seafood Restaurant with the 10 course meal and me dancing in front of about 300 Chinese guests like an idiot (BY MYSELF!), the trip was a success. A few hiccups here and there but simply put, I'd pick California over the Midwest any day. Pictures from the trip and the wedding are forthcoming.
Add a piece of lost luggage to my car being in the shop and having to get a rental to my Macbook going missing at the hands of the Hy-Vee customer service department and you have the recipe for a hectic rest of the week.
After something as tragic as Bianca's passing happens, it's hard to talk about other "less important" things. Do you know what I mean? I basically feel guilty for caring about things in my life that in the light of the tragic circumstances, seem trivial and unimportant. I think that's one of the hardest obstacles to overcome in the pursuit to cherishing and appreciating life. I guess too often death can overwhelm and hinder it's antithesis and cure; Life.
I just returned from California where I was visiting for my cousin's wedding. My dad's family are all in California, in the Los Angeles area so it was great seeing most of them. I haven't seen anyone on that side of the family in almost 8 years, since my grandmother's funeral. My half brother Sammy who I used to be fairly close to when I was younger, lives out there now too. He does architectural work for a construction company during the week and tattoos at my cousin Peter's shop on the weekend. Seeing him and visiting Peter at his shop was awesome.
My cousin Ann got married to her fiance Stephen. (Ann * lawyer) + (Stephen * IT director at the top school district in California) = a rich set of newlyweds. The wedding was really nice and just an amazing experience all in all. Between the beautiful and wonderfully short ceremony to the reception at the incredible Empress Harbor Seafood Restaurant with the 10 course meal and me dancing in front of about 300 Chinese guests like an idiot (BY MYSELF!), the trip was a success. A few hiccups here and there but simply put, I'd pick California over the Midwest any day. Pictures from the trip and the wedding are forthcoming.
Add a piece of lost luggage to my car being in the shop and having to get a rental to my Macbook going missing at the hands of the Hy-Vee customer service department and you have the recipe for a hectic rest of the week.
For a Reason...
Far too much to write about in one post in one sitting so I suppose I'll pick and choose as I attempt to inspire myself to transpose my thoughts onto the internet.
Most important on my mind, Bianca Vocke passed away this last Tuesday night due to complications from a car accident she was involved in occurring the week previous. I have never met Bianca and unfortunately, can only now make her acquaintance in heaven but I am friends with her sister Celeste. My heart breaks for Celeste and her family. There aren't many words that I can write that haven't been repeated over and over in the last couple days. Repeated to the point of dull indifference, where the words lose their meaning and become routine more than anything. I never want to feel that way. To any who read this that believe in the beauty and power of prayer, please pray for Celeste, her family and everyone affected by this tragedy. Remember the fragility of life and the sacred value that we must place on it, each and every day. Celeste, you promised to introduce me to Bianca after all of this was over and I'm holding you to it. One day, I'll see your face light up in it's beautiful and proud glow as you introduce me to her and her to me.
Most important on my mind, Bianca Vocke passed away this last Tuesday night due to complications from a car accident she was involved in occurring the week previous. I have never met Bianca and unfortunately, can only now make her acquaintance in heaven but I am friends with her sister Celeste. My heart breaks for Celeste and her family. There aren't many words that I can write that haven't been repeated over and over in the last couple days. Repeated to the point of dull indifference, where the words lose their meaning and become routine more than anything. I never want to feel that way. To any who read this that believe in the beauty and power of prayer, please pray for Celeste, her family and everyone affected by this tragedy. Remember the fragility of life and the sacred value that we must place on it, each and every day. Celeste, you promised to introduce me to Bianca after all of this was over and I'm holding you to it. One day, I'll see your face light up in it's beautiful and proud glow as you introduce me to her and her to me.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Here We Come...
Okay fine, depending on when you read this, I'm not leaving until Thursday but the point is? As much as I can, I love this state.
All vague posts aside, I'm flying to LA in the company of my girlfriend and my father to attend my cousin's (my father's niece) wedding in Santa Anita. Due to some last minute preparations (not on my part mind you), I'll be flying out of Rockford while my girlfriend and father will be flying out of Moline. Both flights are at 6AM and are to Denver where we'll actually all three get on the same flight to Burbank. Repeat for the way back.
Sounds like quite the Asian wedding to be had. The reception? No Big Deal.
Coupled with finally seeing my family out there? I'm quite excited. My brother Sam is an architect in LA and also tattoos on the weekends at my cousin Peter's shop in Pasadena. Peter just messaged me via Myspace out of absolutely nowhere to say hi and to tell me he's excited to see me this weekend. That was a good feeling. Haven't seen Peter in a good 7 years or so. I wonder what kind of deal Resurrection Tattoo can cut a little Eurasian cousin like me?
More after the break...
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
L2Buy
[13:16] Me: now what lesson did you learn?
[13:16] Finny: uh if its too good to be true, its too good to be true
[13:16] Me: haha, good boy
[13:16] Finny: and never under any circumstances buy something out of the back of someones van
Monday, November 19, 2007
Speaking of Eros...
AHHHHHHHHHHH
Hello audience. Or whatever I have that might constitute as one. I recently made the internet acquaintance of one, Jeremiah from the Minnesota based band Red Fox Grey Fox. Anyone that's been paying attention to my screaming either online or IRL in the past couple months might know the juicy fact that I'm in love with RFGF. So imagine my surprise.delight to read an open invitation from Jeremiah to read his blog and to share in thought with him. All in all, he seems like a pretty stand up guy. Besides understood and loved, he makes me feel a.) old and b.) creatively stagnant. I guess I did have my my initial creative burst with this blog last August when I started it but as chronicled in some of my last few posts, I've somewhat leveled out in recent times. But guess what? I'm not going to categorize creativity any longer. Expression is all that matters and I have something to express.
Taking inspiration from Jeremiah's foray into the blogging world with his post about love; I recently had somewhat of an epiphany. Well, I guess "epiphany" may be fluffing it a LITTLE bit but semantics aside, I was moved. But first, let me indulge and perform God's greatest gift to the story telling world (at least according to Josh). Let me preface.
I was quite the little romantic as a young(er) man. Along with that, it goes without saying that I was much more idealistic in the past than I could honestly say I am now. A life defining relationship a few years back changed much of that. But to be fair, I think this happens to most everyone at some point or time. But I've always been a few years ahead of everyone so apparently this head start extended to relationships as well. It just gave me a much more adult and realistic approach on romantic love and relationships with our better halves. Fast forward through close to a year of being single and not really being interested in a serious relationship. I meet a wonderful young woman and dated this wonderful young woman for about 7 wonderful months. Not every day was wonderful but we didn't have anything seriously wrong with us. To make a long story short, I broke up with her because simply put, my heart wasn't in it anymore and I couldn't commit myself to her 100% at that point in my life and it wasn't fair to her. A primary reason my heart wasn't in it was because I had developed the idea on some level that things weren't running smooth enough and well frankly, life's a little too short to waste time on something that isn't for a lack of better words, easy. I had become jaded on some level.
So fast forward now. We still talked after we broke up. Still fought at times, went through periods where we didn't at all. And then about 3-4 months after the break up, we really started to spend quality time with each other. This lasted for a couple months and ended the other day. It ended because we decided to give it another shot and make it official and all that jazz. I had been tossing the idea around for a while but I still held a fair amount of doubt about the worth of it all and effort involved. So really? All this rambling about Ashley, not important at all in the grand scheme of this post. Relationship material generally stays in my head and I only write of it to preface this epiphany of mine. The other day, I was on phone with her while driving. I'm listening to This Providence and as I get off the phone with her, flashes of contemplation cross my mind as to the whole situation and what I wanted to do about it all. Almost as if in response to my thoughts, this repeated chorus line from "The Road to Jericho is Lined with Starving People" floods my ears.
"If lovin' were easy, it wouldn't be love"
Cheesy as hell? Most definitely. Thought provoking? The same.
I guess it all just sort of hit me right there. Phillia, Eros, Storge or Agape. All of these are intertwined to form the basis of what I feel is the meaning of life. To love and to be loved. To respect and to be respected. Taking from the comment "Korissa" left on Jeremiah's blog, there are not many greater feelings than that of mutual love.
So if you read this far, thanks. And I promise that's the last of it in the relationship rambling department at least for a good long while. It's just something on my mind recently and there's no better day than Monday to let it all bubble out.
Hello audience. Or whatever I have that might constitute as one. I recently made the internet acquaintance of one, Jeremiah from the Minnesota based band Red Fox Grey Fox. Anyone that's been paying attention to my screaming either online or IRL in the past couple months might know the juicy fact that I'm in love with RFGF. So imagine my surprise.delight to read an open invitation from Jeremiah to read his blog and to share in thought with him. All in all, he seems like a pretty stand up guy. Besides understood and loved, he makes me feel a.) old and b.) creatively stagnant. I guess I did have my my initial creative burst with this blog last August when I started it but as chronicled in some of my last few posts, I've somewhat leveled out in recent times. But guess what? I'm not going to categorize creativity any longer. Expression is all that matters and I have something to express.
Taking inspiration from Jeremiah's foray into the blogging world with his post about love; I recently had somewhat of an epiphany. Well, I guess "epiphany" may be fluffing it a LITTLE bit but semantics aside, I was moved. But first, let me indulge and perform God's greatest gift to the story telling world (at least according to Josh). Let me preface.
I was quite the little romantic as a young(er) man. Along with that, it goes without saying that I was much more idealistic in the past than I could honestly say I am now. A life defining relationship a few years back changed much of that. But to be fair, I think this happens to most everyone at some point or time. But I've always been a few years ahead of everyone so apparently this head start extended to relationships as well. It just gave me a much more adult and realistic approach on romantic love and relationships with our better halves. Fast forward through close to a year of being single and not really being interested in a serious relationship. I meet a wonderful young woman and dated this wonderful young woman for about 7 wonderful months. Not every day was wonderful but we didn't have anything seriously wrong with us. To make a long story short, I broke up with her because simply put, my heart wasn't in it anymore and I couldn't commit myself to her 100% at that point in my life and it wasn't fair to her. A primary reason my heart wasn't in it was because I had developed the idea on some level that things weren't running smooth enough and well frankly, life's a little too short to waste time on something that isn't for a lack of better words, easy. I had become jaded on some level.
So fast forward now. We still talked after we broke up. Still fought at times, went through periods where we didn't at all. And then about 3-4 months after the break up, we really started to spend quality time with each other. This lasted for a couple months and ended the other day. It ended because we decided to give it another shot and make it official and all that jazz. I had been tossing the idea around for a while but I still held a fair amount of doubt about the worth of it all and effort involved. So really? All this rambling about Ashley, not important at all in the grand scheme of this post. Relationship material generally stays in my head and I only write of it to preface this epiphany of mine. The other day, I was on phone with her while driving. I'm listening to This Providence and as I get off the phone with her, flashes of contemplation cross my mind as to the whole situation and what I wanted to do about it all. Almost as if in response to my thoughts, this repeated chorus line from "The Road to Jericho is Lined with Starving People" floods my ears.
"If lovin' were easy, it wouldn't be love"
Cheesy as hell? Most definitely. Thought provoking? The same.
I guess it all just sort of hit me right there. Phillia, Eros, Storge or Agape. All of these are intertwined to form the basis of what I feel is the meaning of life. To love and to be loved. To respect and to be respected. Taking from the comment "Korissa" left on Jeremiah's blog, there are not many greater feelings than that of mutual love.
So if you read this far, thanks. And I promise that's the last of it in the relationship rambling department at least for a good long while. It's just something on my mind recently and there's no better day than Monday to let it all bubble out.
Monday, November 12, 2007
This Curse...Will Sting the Worst
It's amazing how little I've been inspired to write lately. I talked about this in one of my more recent blogs and I guess nothing has really changed much. I do just about the same things everyday at work. My life outside of work wonderful but nothing extraordinary I suppose. I watch a lot of interesting and original indie movies that I generally enjoy. I'm still a fervent Heroes, Prison Break and Nip/Tuck fan. I socialize as much as possible down here in the QC. Met some new people this last weekend which was nice. Had a great time last night just sitting around, playing cards and listening to 50's radio with Annie, Rachel, Dengler, Steve and Craig. And of course Archer was there.
I'm excited to start getting things done again which seems to happen primarily during the week. A haircut is finally in order for tonight hopefully. I'm supposed to be stopping by Rites of Passage to get my back tattoo touched up. But due to past scheduling attempts with my artist Jon there, I foresee having to reschedule it. So on the off chance that the tattoo stop goes according to plan, I'm just going to stop by the Hair Cuttery to see what they can do to me. In the more likely case of Jon canceling or something; I'm going to try getting in at Capri up in Davenport.
In either case, expect a total loss of hair. I'm sick of going in there and having this pseudo-faux-scene Capri girls just about crying the more hair they have to cut off. I go in wanting a cut and essentially come out with a trim. So I just need to be assertive and demand a drastic cut and promise a swift punch to the throat in the event that she fails me.
So news flash!!! I tend to lounge pretty relaxed-like in my office chair and more often than not, that leads to my belly being pressed up against the edge of my desk. Know what I mean? You would if you've ever lounged in a cubicle. Anyway, so I was just doing this unconsciously while typing and all of a sudden? SNAP. Yep, my fat finally got the better of me and a button on my shirt get stuck under the edge of the desk and when I sat up to stretch, the pressure of my chair straightening mixed with the force of my stomach against the edge...SNAPPED that button clean in half. Not going to lie, I've never seen a button actually snapped in half but today's the day. Funny thing is, it's the same button that's popped off in the past and Ashley was nice enough to take one of the pocket buttons and replace it. Welp, I'm doing to the other pocket's spare. So I hope she'll fix it again for my fat ass.
Well, on that note? I'm going to eat a cup of soup and slowly inch my way through this Monday.
I'm excited to start getting things done again which seems to happen primarily during the week. A haircut is finally in order for tonight hopefully. I'm supposed to be stopping by Rites of Passage to get my back tattoo touched up. But due to past scheduling attempts with my artist Jon there, I foresee having to reschedule it. So on the off chance that the tattoo stop goes according to plan, I'm just going to stop by the Hair Cuttery to see what they can do to me. In the more likely case of Jon canceling or something; I'm going to try getting in at Capri up in Davenport.
In either case, expect a total loss of hair. I'm sick of going in there and having this pseudo-faux-scene Capri girls just about crying the more hair they have to cut off. I go in wanting a cut and essentially come out with a trim. So I just need to be assertive and demand a drastic cut and promise a swift punch to the throat in the event that she fails me.
So news flash!!! I tend to lounge pretty relaxed-like in my office chair and more often than not, that leads to my belly being pressed up against the edge of my desk. Know what I mean? You would if you've ever lounged in a cubicle. Anyway, so I was just doing this unconsciously while typing and all of a sudden? SNAP. Yep, my fat finally got the better of me and a button on my shirt get stuck under the edge of the desk and when I sat up to stretch, the pressure of my chair straightening mixed with the force of my stomach against the edge...SNAPPED that button clean in half. Not going to lie, I've never seen a button actually snapped in half but today's the day. Funny thing is, it's the same button that's popped off in the past and Ashley was nice enough to take one of the pocket buttons and replace it. Welp, I'm doing to the other pocket's spare. So I hope she'll fix it again for my fat ass.
Well, on that note? I'm going to eat a cup of soup and slowly inch my way through this Monday.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Facebook App FTW?!?!
I have yet to be impressed by too many of the BILLION Facebook apps to have been released in the past 9 months or whenever the flood walls separating Facebook from Myspace were so rudely busted down. In any case, with the exception of simple ditties like Top Friends and the ridiculously addictive Jetman; most apps serve two purposes. To be able to see what your douche bag friend wants you to "check out" (hint: add...REMOVE) and to take up precious Facebook page space. I'm a man that relishes effective simplicity and Facebook is no different. Now with that all being said and out of the way; I present to you Project Playlist. Pretty simple to set up with an impressively thorough music library to choose from. I decided to go with a nice "Top 5 Weekly Songs" theme which I plan to change every week (or so) with a new set of 5 songs for my viewers' listening pleasure. I aim for quality foremost but variety comes in a close second. And then with an option for a standalone player as well as the ability to embed it in other sites like Myspace; balls deep is all I have to say. In terms of operational functionality, songs fully load surprisingly fast and play smoothly with little to no buffering.
Five thumbs up for a music player Facebook app. Granted, I haven't had it long but I'll let you know if it lets me down worse than the first Aliens vs. Predator. Not likely.
Update: So along with the flexibility of this app, I can indeed add it to this very blog. So while I have a long way to go making this page of mine look the way I want it to, enjoy your choice between Facebook AND blogspot.
Five thumbs up for a music player Facebook app. Granted, I haven't had it long but I'll let you know if it lets me down worse than the first Aliens vs. Predator. Not likely.
Update: So along with the flexibility of this app, I can indeed add it to this very blog. So while I have a long way to go making this page of mine look the way I want it to, enjoy your choice between Facebook AND blogspot.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
You Can't Spell Crap Without "C"
Hello all.
I've been pretty lax on this whole blog thing in recent times and I feel that there are a number of contributors responsible for that.
1.) Laziness.
I've been so not-busy at work lately. All ambition to do anything, including blogging, has been drained out of me. Its kind of like when you sleep so much, you're tired. According to simple logic, it doesn't make any sense. But once you experience it, its makes nothing but sense.
2.) Boredom.
There hasn't been much going on in my life recently. Okay, that's not entirely true. There's always things going on and life's a constant roller coaster. I mean, there's been homecoming, my birthday, Twin Cities, etc. But for one reason or another, nothing has really made me want to stand up and shout. You know what I mean? Nothing has been worth "shouting" about and that is a shame on a certain level.
3.) Happiness.
To go hand in hand with the boredom and I guess to a certain extent, the laziness; I have been happy. With happiness, too often comes complacency and a sense of entitlement to that lack of ambition. Usually this laziness is expressed most quantitatively in the loss of creativity and the activities that go along with such.
With that all being said, what's more important than a LIFE IN SUMMARY!!!!!
I don't even know what that is necessarily but I figure I'd just throw up a bulleted list of sorts to highlight interesting things I've seen or heard, new music/movies, a TV recap, etc. Here goes...
*Unforgivable - Watch it, it's hilarious. Now just picture the Noon quoting unforgivable. Yeah, see, a lot funnier.
*www.cracked.com - My new daily addiction. Its like my morning coffee and my noon water cooler stop.
*Listen to Red Fox Grey Fox, Weaver at the Loom, the voice of sleep and Now, Now Every Children. Right now. Minnesota FTW!!! There's more where that came from too. Who would've known?
*Watch The Lives of Others, Dirty Sanchez and The Boys and Girls Guide to Getting Down. Random three movies but three of the better recent ones I've rented. Good stuff indeed.
*NIP/TUCK, HEROES AND PRISON BREAK!!! I'm finally caught up on all three shows and watching new episodes weekly. Waiting week to week certainly detracts from the cinematic quality of each show but it's inevitable.
!!!Nip/Tuck!!! - Season 4 was nothing short of spectacular I must say. Watching that made me realize what smack must feel like. To me, Nip/Tuck after this last season has been a 60+ episode, 4 season single story arc and I think it's pretty fantastic. Season 5 starts TONIGHT!!! and I'm pumped, needless to say.
!!Heroes!! - Season 2 so far has been pretty damn good. A few redundancies and over-used plot tools but besides that, things have been as hot as ever. So far, about 6 episodes in, there's only been a few big plot points converging so expect some awesome-ness in the next few weeks. Hiro's role hasn't been as important as I'd like but like I said, I'll have faith until the finale and maybe beyond if I'm feeling generous.
!Prison Break! - Season 3 has been impressive thus far. I think of all these shows, Prison Break has the shortest potential lifespan and therein lies its central flaw but despite this, season 3 is proving to be as exciting and nail biting as the first two. Lincoln has some cheese ball lines and Michael is as vague and mysteriously frustrating (bordering on annoying) as ever but the real shine is in the supporting characters and always has been. There hasn't b been a real powerhouse yet (due mainly to the unfortunate playing down of Mahone's character) but I'm hopeful there will be. There's been a lot of breaks though where an episode doesn't air including last night but I'm pretty sure there's some sort of 2 hour deal next Monday so I can handle it.
And finally, I'll leave you with a pretty sweet picture my good friend Craig Nagovan took a few weeks back at Duhawk homecoming down at the Lounge.
I'm A Ghost
I've been pretty lax on this whole blog thing in recent times and I feel that there are a number of contributors responsible for that.
1.) Laziness.
I've been so not-busy at work lately. All ambition to do anything, including blogging, has been drained out of me. Its kind of like when you sleep so much, you're tired. According to simple logic, it doesn't make any sense. But once you experience it, its makes nothing but sense.
2.) Boredom.
There hasn't been much going on in my life recently. Okay, that's not entirely true. There's always things going on and life's a constant roller coaster. I mean, there's been homecoming, my birthday, Twin Cities, etc. But for one reason or another, nothing has really made me want to stand up and shout. You know what I mean? Nothing has been worth "shouting" about and that is a shame on a certain level.
3.) Happiness.
To go hand in hand with the boredom and I guess to a certain extent, the laziness; I have been happy. With happiness, too often comes complacency and a sense of entitlement to that lack of ambition. Usually this laziness is expressed most quantitatively in the loss of creativity and the activities that go along with such.
With that all being said, what's more important than a LIFE IN SUMMARY!!!!!
I don't even know what that is necessarily but I figure I'd just throw up a bulleted list of sorts to highlight interesting things I've seen or heard, new music/movies, a TV recap, etc. Here goes...
*Unforgivable - Watch it, it's hilarious. Now just picture the Noon quoting unforgivable. Yeah, see, a lot funnier.
*www.cracked.com - My new daily addiction. Its like my morning coffee and my noon water cooler stop.
*Listen to Red Fox Grey Fox, Weaver at the Loom, the voice of sleep and Now, Now Every Children. Right now. Minnesota FTW!!! There's more where that came from too. Who would've known?
*Watch The Lives of Others, Dirty Sanchez and The Boys and Girls Guide to Getting Down. Random three movies but three of the better recent ones I've rented. Good stuff indeed.
*NIP/TUCK, HEROES AND PRISON BREAK!!! I'm finally caught up on all three shows and watching new episodes weekly. Waiting week to week certainly detracts from the cinematic quality of each show but it's inevitable.
!!!Nip/Tuck!!! - Season 4 was nothing short of spectacular I must say. Watching that made me realize what smack must feel like. To me, Nip/Tuck after this last season has been a 60+ episode, 4 season single story arc and I think it's pretty fantastic. Season 5 starts TONIGHT!!! and I'm pumped, needless to say.
!!Heroes!! - Season 2 so far has been pretty damn good. A few redundancies and over-used plot tools but besides that, things have been as hot as ever. So far, about 6 episodes in, there's only been a few big plot points converging so expect some awesome-ness in the next few weeks. Hiro's role hasn't been as important as I'd like but like I said, I'll have faith until the finale and maybe beyond if I'm feeling generous.
!Prison Break! - Season 3 has been impressive thus far. I think of all these shows, Prison Break has the shortest potential lifespan and therein lies its central flaw but despite this, season 3 is proving to be as exciting and nail biting as the first two. Lincoln has some cheese ball lines and Michael is as vague and mysteriously frustrating (bordering on annoying) as ever but the real shine is in the supporting characters and always has been. There hasn't b been a real powerhouse yet (due mainly to the unfortunate playing down of Mahone's character) but I'm hopeful there will be. There's been a lot of breaks though where an episode doesn't air including last night but I'm pretty sure there's some sort of 2 hour deal next Monday so I can handle it.
And finally, I'll leave you with a pretty sweet picture my good friend Craig Nagovan took a few weeks back at Duhawk homecoming down at the Lounge.
I'm A Ghost
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