A list. Not to be confused with A-list

I'm having one of those nights where I really want to post something, but I can't gather my thoughts to produce anything worth while; so i suppose I'll just list things. 

- Great time in Long Beach with friends

- Sunday night BBQ in Los Feliz 

- Monday night Football and Donavan McNabb kicked me out of the playoffs a little too early

- Rain is leaking into my bedroom 

- Hoegaarden tastes yummy

- Trader Joe's Sheapard's Pie is tasty 

- Enjoy not having a cell phone

- I'm scruffy like a hobo

- Coffee and ESV readings continue 

- I wear a hat (thanks KCS) 

- Women are funny, they just crack me up

- Yesterdays pen pals are todays chat friends 

- Dead baby Opossum in sisters pool 

- SNL digital shorts 

- French Vogue isn't pornography 

well this is kind of fun

you can find my name at the bottom...nice huh?

http://oceandrive.com/hybrid/archives/2008_10/cover/index.html

Yay! Christmas

Three beers in and I've decided to welcome in the sounds of a faithful friend, and as Ryan Adams muses me while sleepy and on my way to bed, I dream about the days to come, the friends who are and friends to come. Who am I to question what may be in my path and who am I to decide what is right and what is wrong? My mind races as I try to rest, as I try to find some hope in this place, this place of waiting. How low can one go before everything changes, before a shift happens, when nothing changes yet all things change? Going forward in confidence while all things, no, everything is out of my control...how do I go forward? There is nothing left in me where pride might feast, though self boasting may creep, it shall not build its home, for I am desolate and without a ground which to feed. You have brought me here and will do what you desire; I have no challenge, in fact, I give you all you need to take comfort. Take this desert and do what you will with it. 

It's fall

I awoke this morning to an overcast sky and the desire to walk through this friendly neighborhood of mine. I ventured easterly on Addison intending to bypass the busy Riverside boulevard lined with boring apartments and tiny shops which the populous ignore. Addison proved to be more than a simple detour from the usual road to be traveled; it is a street without walkway, lined with towering deciduous trees dressed in the finest of fall colors. In four blocks of silence, I find myself headed south toward the Starbucks; moments later, I'm in line with 13 other customers wondering why this had to be the Starbucks they chose. After a few Christmas songs over the PA and the rare star sighting, I was stirring my vente drip with whatever's in those pink packets. I sat, I sat in the big brown leather chair and listened to Tobacco while reading Bible verses. I departed the strip mall half passed the hour and ventured from whence I came. The sun eventually poked through my fall hour and dreams of the mid-west ceased. 

My ceiling leaks water when it rains, I'm just thankful it doens't rain much in LA. I was told this morning my rent will decrease 50% for the months of December and January because the landlord didn't fulfill the building inspectors repair requirements in time. 

Since the loss of my phone in New York, I've been able to stay focused on what I'm doing in the present; no longer am I able to crackberry every few minutes to distract away the day. 

The photographer I've worked with for the past 6 months is taking some time off until the New Year, so I've been focusing my attention on minimizing my options and praying that the doors which seem to be closing will in time lead to unlocked doors of opportunity. 

I've been working a lot in Photoshop, just learning from trial and error, trying to find some kind of style. I've come to the harsh realization that my Canon Powershot isn't doing the job. Retouching, for instance, isn't going to happen, I'm just working with layers etc. My sister was in town a few weeks ago with her new Digital SLR...I miss having an SLR. Well, here are a few of my favorite photo creations of New York. 

It's burning...

Yeah...I saw the fire last night as I made my way home from hollywood. 

It's gotten worse. Houses are burning. People I know are pretty close to the fires. 

It's safe where I'm at, but, the power went out for about 45 min. this morning. The smell of dry ash for breakfast isn't what I dream of. 

Day

I got older.

I still don't have a phone.

I saw a pair of boots I want "I'd be much cooler if I had those boots"

Currently recovering from a cold I've had all month.

Should probably get going but really don't have any getting to go to today. 

 

I have a cold

Last weekend in New York, as I walked from 204th street to 207th street/Broadway to grab some cash and hail a car, it rained. I liked the rain, I thought it added to my North Manhattan experience for the evening. The grooms dinner was thirty minutes away but if I had been there instead of walking to grab cash and car, I would have been right on time, but I wasn't, I was thirty minutes away.
A week and a day has gone by and I find myself with a horrible cold. I don't think I've been sick in a few years. It rained last night, but I wasn't outside, I was inside at a birthday party for a friend in Long Beach. Apparently because I wasn't outside, the rain decided it would eventually find me or my stuff inside. I received an email last night from my roommate informing me of a leak in my ceiling. When I returned home this morning via Metro Rail system (which is actually pretty amazing if I'm heading to Long Beach/Hollywood/Los Feliz etc.), plastic was strewn all over my floor, bed and stuff in attempts to protect everything from the water and parts of ceiling falling everywhere.
Good news though, yesterday I got my first leather briefcase/computer bag for $5 at a yard sale which just happened to be next to KCS's yard sale.
Cheers!

I predict

Just took care of my Fantasy Football teams for the weekend. I'm feeling pretty good about it, I'm currently in 1st and 2nd in my leagues...and I predict wins in both leagues this Sunday.

Brent's getting married on Sunday in New York City...I'll be there, I leave tomorrow...can't wait.

I'll get some tasty pictures up soon...NY seems to have that type of vibe.

Just some stuff I've worked on recently...really raw and messy...but I like.

Brother-in-law Journalist

My sister's husband Pete has been secretly writing a sports article on ESPN.com.
He goes by Gene Wojciechowski. Check him out at www.espn.com scroll down a bit...you'll find him in the middle of the page. He's there everyday...so you can't miss him. I've posted a picture of him below.


I guess when he was younger, Pete played a Doctor on the popular t.v. drama E.R.


And also a Fighter Pilot in Top Gun

What is this constant wanting to have something happen? I swear, it's 1:30 in the am. and I'm still ready for something to take place at this hour. Sometimes I wish I were not the social person I am. I sit here, listening to music and want to go out. Out where? This is something that has plagued me since I learned how to ride a bike. I feel like I'm stuck here with nothing going on but my own thoughts and when left to my thoughts, they drive me insane.
For instance:
1. How am I going to get from under the thumb of a photographer and do my own work?
2. When are my nieces and nephews going to decided to tell their parents they want to be like uncle Billy? Yikes!
3. When is all this hard work going to pan out for me?
4. Will buying my own home ever happen?
5. Is it going to be LA or NYC?
6. In my own pursuit of artistic success, should I actually do other things (other than photography) that will stimulate my ideas? And how can I do that?
7. Do I really have to worry about corporate bail outs?
8. Will I ever be able to travel internationally again?
9. Did I choose the wrong major? Does that really matter now?
10. If I really try, could I do a photo doc on missionaries in Turkey and Austria...I mean...I would love to, but could I pay for it, and would it be worth it?

To be honest, I don't like where I live. I don't like the Valley. It's not fun. Fun is not my right however and I'll go through it day by day. All I know is this. Everyone has a surge, and when it happens, you better be ready for it. If you're not, it'll pass you by and you'll never know it happened.

That Guy

I'm sitting at Luigi Ortega in Pasadena waiting for the Dodger game to start. Hot wings are on the way along with a couple friends. The one thing that is annoying me...is that guy. I think we all know what guy I'm talking about. He's the one guy who probably comes here all the time by himself to take advantage of the half off Firestone beers on Thursdays. He's the guy who talks too loud to himself and asks stupid drunk questions to nobody in particular. I have a feeling he'll be here all night watching the game. He already gave me a few unsolicited suggestions as to what I should be eating...I really hope this doesn't continue throughout the evening.

Burn After Reading?

I saw a wallet on a bench yesterday as I was walking from the coffee shop to my car. It was a thick brown leather wallet filled with credit cards and $50 cash. To say the thought of pocketing the cash and leaving the wallet didn't enter my mind would be a lie. So, here is my opportunity...be selfish or selfless. Now that I think about it, earlier that morning, I spent some time reviewing last Sunday's sermon which was pulled from Joshua 24: 14-18.
Verse 15 states "...And if it is undesirable (evil in your eyes ESV version) for you to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
It was all coming together for me on Sunday in this way; we all have to serve someone or something, and we WILL choose regardless if we believe we have to serve or not.
So, back to this opportunity. At that moment I had to choose to serve something regardless if I wanted to or not. Would I serve my own sinful nature, or allow God to work through that nature and allow me to serve him and ultimately glorify him with return of the wallet? I did the right thing and found the owner, he actually served my coffee that morning.
It astounds me the way God works. I cannot attribute this situation to simple coincidence. This was a real life application of the service we all have to choose regardless if we admit to it or not. And I know it goes deeper than just a wallet on a bench.

I think I'm going to take a break on my story for a bit.
I'm sitting at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in Studio City, escaping the oven which is my apartment. I keep checking my emails to see if a reply pops into my inbox with some information as to what the schedule for this week will be. It's been a long time since I've been on a shoot and a long time since I've talked with Kurt, so I'm kind of out of the loop at the moment.
I'm getting restless. I don't know when I'll actually have a steady flow of work or income. If the steady flow doesn't come from one source, I'll have to put myself out there with different people I guess.
Well, there are lots of other things going on right now that I would rather not have to deal with. I swear, my hair is going to start getting gray or I'm gonna die young simply because of the stress I've put myself through. Not just recent stress, but stress beginning the day I chose Biology as a major. Don't have much else to say...guess that's all for the moment.

Chapter 2

Sept. 9th 9:30am Metro Transit en route to work ugh! Sherman Oaks-Echo Park:
Phone call at bus stop in downtown Burbank.
"Hey B, it's Kurt....just want to let you know, I'm leaving for France today and will be staying there until the Brad shoot...won't be able to bring you due to 'budget cuts'...". Apparently Wes A is directing the commercial for the Japanese phone co. and wants to take the stills too in order to do what he wants to do. Okay, bummer, now what? A little relief, I mean, I do have to get my DL, and I have to go to Court in OC to take care of the citations I mentioned before. Alright, cool, I'll just go to France some other time. Well, I’m here in Burbank already, I mean, it took me about an hour to get here; I might as well head over to Silver Lake and see if the Pool’s open on Locksley. I’m in luck and at 11 I have myself a little Pool party. I’m sick of running around town and I seriously need a break with a pal. A chat here, a chat there, lots of work, some cleanup and we’re out and off to a thrift store. For a moment life slowed down and I was able to relax, no runaround, no stress…thanks to the Pool party. After a dog at the Red Lion, and a few calls to some pals in NY I decided to venture out once again on the metro and see how long it’d take me to get home. It was dark by the time I made it up the entryway stairs. I hadn’t talked with C about the car problem yet, only briefly when she was falling asleep. So I call her.
Me: "...So, look, I had some car issues to deal with the other day, that’s why I didn’t call. Sorry I didn't call sooner, but it’s been kind of crazy lately. I understand if you've got a problem with it, it's just something I've got to deal with right now."
C: “…well, the important thing is you’re okay.”

Sept. 11th OC Court, Irvine CA 8:30am:
Sister drove me to Irvine, ain't she sweet? Here she is again.
We’re both sitting in the courtroom being briefed by a bailiff, who thinks he’s Steve Martin, on how to communicate with the Judge. I’m thumbing through papers, documents, proof of Insurance forms etc. wondering what I’m supposed to plea. Do I plead guilty or no contest…it’s the same thing isn’t it? Names are called, and I’m just another loser in the crowd, in the system. I haven’t been to court since 16 years old when I was fined for doing doughnuts in a church parking lot on New Year’s Eve. It turned out to be pretty painless actually. All fines exceeding $2K reduced to $300. Whew. Alright, now we’re off to the Culver City DMV to pass my written test and get my CA DL. Two hours pass as I study the manual once again when…*”now servicing A904 at counter 10”* is called. I walk with confidence to the counter and place my application, passport and charm at the mercy of the DMV clerk, praying all things are in order.
Clerk: “Looks good, good luck”
33 out of a possible 36 makes passing with a 92%. Sweet, so now all I have to do is cruise to the Auto Detectives in Van Nuys and slam down my CA DL on the counter and peace out to get my car. I called ahead, just to make sure we’d make it before they closed.
Detective: “if you don’t make it, it’s okay, the guys at the front desk can give you a release if we’re closed.”
Me: “are you sure, if I come right now, I can still get it released?”
Detective: “yes”
Me: “are you SURE?”
Detective: “yes”
So, me and sis head out to the valley during rush hour. Wilco’s Passenger Side echoes in my ear like an anthem as we traverse the Sepulveda Pass toward the Van Nuys Police Station…"I got a court date coming this June, I'll be driving soon..." I slam my CA DL on the front desk when I hear this.
Officer: "Sorry pal, Detectives went home, and we don't have you papers, come back tomorrow." Me: "but someone told me you would have my papers if they’ve closed"
Officer: "Sorry pal, come back tomorrow...next."

Chapter 1

So I've had a few eventful weeks in a row this month. Amazingly enough, I've come out alive with minor scratches. This began as a single post, but I quickly realized it was turning into a novel...so, if you care to read, cool. It's mostly for my own sanity right now. It'll be in chapters now.

At first glance, September seemed to be a promising month...I mean, I had plans to visit Brad in France, hang out with Shannen, watch NFL on Sundays and see a 1 date friendship potentially turn into "dating". So, with a glimmer of optimism in the mind, we enter August. I had spent the later days of August in Chicago to be apart of this guys wedding and spend time with good friends. I returned to CA just in time for a series of photo shoots which I would describe as both "fashionable" and "celebritory". I was asked to consider a position as full time Studio Manager, which I've been considering and ultimately want. I met someone I liked...dated...had fun, went to Thai food, Bowled, Movie-d etc. y'know, the dating thing without being in a relationship? That was August.
What happens next is simply a look...no more...no less...I'm in the process of selling the story to a few screenwriters so some details are omitted. My sister says I could write a book about the first two weeks alone. And so we begin...

Sunday Sept 7th. First week of NFL:
I'm pumped cause I get to watch the Vikings lose (not a surprise). I'm enjoying my time at B.J.'s in Burbank sipping on a Stout and chewing on a Great White mini pizza while watching 5 games at one time. It's pretty amazing actually. 10AM-4:40PM pure NFL amazement. The afternoon games finish and I'm making my way home when car trouble comes my way and kept coming and eventually she clipped me two blocks from my apartment. Fast forward: Two hours later I'm car-less, key-less and...well...briefly homeless.

*The character which follows is loosely based on my before mentioned sister's dog Musky (who was lost and running scared on Venice Blvd. for a good 2-4 hours)*

Sept 8th:
and I'm running back and fourth from Sherman Oaks to Van Nuys, almost exclusively on foot (public trans is horrible). Off to "jailbreak" my car in Van Nuys.
Impound Clerk: "It looks like there's a 30 day hold, you're gonna have to get a signed release from the Police."
Me: "Um...why is there a 30 day hold?"
Impound Clerk: "Not sure pal, could be your out of state DL, just head over there and they'll tell ya what to do..."
Me: "Well, can I at least get my apartment keys?"
Clerk: "Sorry pal...not without a release...next."
So, I head over to the Van Nuys police department to discuss the situation with the Police, who actually turn out to be "Auto Detectives"? After a brief discussion with the Detectives, I was told my car was on a 30 hold because I had been driving with an out of state DL. Apparently California requires a residence of the state to have a valid CA drivers license in order to operate a motorized vehicle, who knew. I guess it makes sense but I'm starting to become a champion of Federal drivers licenses, or bar codes on the wrist, that makes more sense. So I head off to the DMV, on foot, about 4 miles. To my total lack of surprise, the DMV was packed already at 7AM. I speak with a clerk and tell them I need to apply for a CA DL.
Clerk: "...a passport or birth certificate..."
Me: "...but a valid out of state DL won't work?"
Clerk: "...sorry pal, just bring a passport of birth certificate and that should do...next."
So, I walk out of the Van Nuys DMV, look around with dismay as I try to piece together where I am, how I got here and where my apartment is. I find myself boarding a metro transit bus, paying the $1.25 fare and asking the driver where the heck he's...well, I'm headed. Without keys to my apartment, I stumble up the entryway stairs to the door. Apartment's locked! phone's dead, keys gone, nobody can hear me knocking and it's almost 10am, who would be home anyway? I'm stuck. Where to go? Of course, where does everyone go when all else seems lost and need communication? The mall. Apple Store, email Kurt
Me: "dude, have to deal with some DMV stuff today, hope that's cool. My phone's dead, otherwise I'd call...I'll be checking my email".
Kiosk, phone charger...excellent! Call roommate who was home the entire time I was running around...figures. I get myself back to the apartment and shower, shave, change clothes and tell a couple stories to my roommate E. With a glint in my eye and a skip in my step, I grab my passport and cruise back to the DMV via public transportation. An hour later, I'm strolling into the DMV in Van Nuys ready to slam my passport on the counter, fill out a CA DL application and finally curb stomp the teeth outta the written test. I'm a little nervous at this point, I mean, I've always had my MN DL. It's helped me get out of "sticky situations" many times in the past and I was sad to see it go. I grab an application, get a number (B073), and wait for it to be called. I wait for my number to be called...*"now servicing A074 at counter number 3"*. wait for my number to be called...*"now servicing F809 at counter number 14"*. And wait for my number to be called. An hour passes and I am now a genius in the studies of California traffic laws, I all but sprint to *"now servicing B073 at counter 20*" to hand over my application, passport and knowledge of the California roadways to the DMV clerk (and ultimately, the Governator of CA).
Clerk: "...just read this and sign both copies please."
Me: "...wait, what is this? Are these citations?"
Clerk: "...yup, and you can see there are a couple of them, one in 2005 and the other in June...see, right there."
Me: "...what!? 2005?! So this is going to keep me from taking the written test then?"
Clerk: "...that's right, sorry pal, just sign this and call the number at the top and they'll tell you what you need to do, okay?...*"now servicing B074 at counter number 20*".
After fighting my way through cross town traffic on metro bus 183 (I began to call them by name), I was once again at my apartment. The number I called happened to be for the OC courthouse in Irvine. The before mentioned tickets were understandable; I mean, once I looked at the dates that is. *flashback 2005* "I mean, it's not often an ex-girlfriend leaves her Silver Mustang available while she leaves you for an ex in Australia now is it? naw...go 95mph on the 5 passed the exit she used to live off, go ahead, it's a good idea."* That ticket was $650. The $1520 citation wasn't as dramatic, it was basically a routine stop for my right headlight being out. Apparently this time my MN DL didn't help. In fact, that was the reason it was so expensive. That and not having proof of insurance or registration in the car at the time. Believe me, in the 10 years I've lived in CA, I've been pulled over before and never got cited for those three things before. Which encouraged the laziness I suppose.
I received a late night phone call from C, the girl I had been taking to movies and dinner. She was worried something had happened, cause I didn't call her Sunday night like I had said I would.
C: "...I was just worried something happened and I couldn't sleep, I'm glad you're okay. I'll talk with you tomorrow okay? I'm sooo sleepy."
Me: "...yeah...I'm fine, thanks for the call, g'night."

Explore Los Angeles

My Pops is in town this week, well, actually it's Monday, so he's in Big Bear until tomorrow. It's always an interesting task to plan activities which will entertain while the parents are in town (believe me, the task doesn't take much, it's not a stress, it's just...interesting). I think back to my teenage years when I used to vacation in California from Minnesota. It didn't take much to entertain me back then, I mean, I was visiting from Minnesota. I was happy to simply go to the beach and work on my tan, boogie board and eat tacos pescado (a dish unheard of in MN until recently).
I realized I really should go out an purchase a Fodors guide to Southern California in order to know what Los Angeles and surrounding areas have to offer, not only to my Pops, but to me. I find myself frequenting the same beaches, the same bars and the same restaurants religiously.
There was a time when I was "green" to Southern California and the simple adventure of experiencing new things in a different way was all I needed to be satisfied or entertained.
On Saturday we (JoAnne, Pops and I) walked around Chinatown and had some amazing Chinaman's food. We browsed through the 5 t-shirts for $10 section in the crowded market (Dad fingered through the fake stones wondering if they were worth the $6) while dodging the hot summer LA sun. I suggested we walk over to Union Station via Olvera Street and check out the lost and forgotten Los Angeles (at least on my radar screen). I loved it. I loved Olvera Street so much I found myself saying things like "wow, isn't that cool?...look the architecture...I mean, we're right downtown!" I continued on this same tone as we walked into Union Station saying things like "that'd be sweet to live right here, you could take the train everywhere...well, I mean if the trains actually went anywhere I needed to go."
All in all...I had a great time, I forgot about some of the cool things I enjoyed while a young lad. I didn't take too many pics, but a Chinaman did at dinner.

Healthiness for Goodness

Today was day one of my juice breakfast routine.
I'm juicing fresh vegetables and fruits before I do anything in the morning. Juicing is supposed to make me healthy.
Recipe for juice healthiness:
3 Celery Sticks
4 Carrots
2 Spinach Bunches
1 Apple
Stick it in the juicer and out comes orange/green goodness.
I made a smoothie too Strawberry/Banana & Rice Milk.

NBA Finals begin tomorrow!! Lakers vs. Kevin Garnett.
Don't know if I can wait another day.

Good Morning...No Shoot Today.

I had a photo shoot to assist for today, but sadly, it was canceled...I figure it's a good thing, now I can take some time, bust out a load of e-mails and make some long overdue contacts. Idle hands make for idle results (is there such a thing as "idle results"?).
I'm sorry, my blog has been really boring me lately. I need to get back to the basics, write some things worth writing and reading. Oh! one other thing. I'm going to game 5 of the Western Conference Finals tomorrow to see Kobe put the smack down on Duncan...I hate the Spurs.

one day at a time

I'm done dog sitting, well, I was actually done dog sitting mid last week. I'm about to head to the mountains for the afternoon and can't wait for the motion sickness to set in. Sunday BBQ's rock.
I have phone calls to make. I need to update my peeps. I've determined it's not Mr. X but something a tad worse than I expected.
Have a nice day and come again.

Culver City Thoughts II

So, I've been awake all night. It's early, yet I cannot find sleep. I've decided I'm a vampire. I'm not a blood sucking type, I'm just the type that lives their life in the evening. I feel for those who have children and must attend to them during the humanly hours of sleep...I do not have a child, but if I had a child, I don't think I could deal with the crying and attention needed to force them into slumber, for I am one who cannot force myself to slumber. I've never had this issue. Sleep has never been a battle to fight.
There is more to this than the fact I don't have a regular schedule. I think it has to do with life decisions, conversations had or not had or conversation I cannot have. I replay, play or anticipate conversations in my head when it gets quiet at night, and that keeps me awake. I tell myself to count sheep or repeat something southing, but no go. So, I type, I type frustrated and tired, feeling there is no end to this. I've had this ailment off and on for a few months now, and I'm done with it. I thought once I moved into my new apartment, I would have some relief, I suppose there are those who feel the problems they face daily will be solved with little antidotes of sorts, perhaps a child to keep a marriage together or gum to help them stop smoking...me, the apartment and change of scenery. I had a friend the other day tell me to just take a walk, so I took the advice and walked my sisters dogs three time yesterday, yet, I still remained awake, not able to sleep. My life expectancy is depleting by the hour.
The puppies are taken care of, they're sleeping soundly, so maybe I'm doing something right, but, I need my sleep, I need rest. Is there a way to take a vacation from ones self for 5 hours that doesn't involved drugs? My mind races when night comes and is completely fine when the sun rises. Lord knows I'm in transition, but damn, it's tough to fall asleep.

Culver City Thoughts

I've had a difficult time sleeping these days, so, I've found retreat in watching t.v. late into the evening. It struck me just tonight, right now as I finished viewing my third sports center re-run and switched to VH1...they were playing videos! Can you believe it?! I mean, every time I run through the channels, VH1 or MTV are playing some sort of "public awareness biography" of some sort. I just saw the new R.E.M video and was pleased to see some sort of artistic effort on the part of "main stream" bands displayed as they should, on t.v.
I don't know about you, but, I think we are seeing the decay of videos on t.v. MTV and VH1 found their niche in videos, but have become more of a cultural reflection on what they find pop/modern culture. No, wait, they are attempting to create pop/modern culture and pump it out all day every day. Videos. That's what I want to see. Bands who spend money to play on these damn stations. I don't need help in molding my "cultural opinion" I have Fox News for that.
I'm done with football players justifying their reasons for being on "Dancing with the Stars" and saying they would "rather be known as an actor than a football player". I wonder if O.J. Simpson were interviewed and asked "what would you like to be remembered for...your football career, or acting?" if he would have said "well, I'm planning on killing my wife and her friend later on and like to be remembered for being an un-convicted killer". Do you think ESPN would run that?
All I know is:
The Celtics advanced.
I gained 6.5 points in Fantasy Baseball today (#1 in points today) and finally know what I'm doing.
I missed a call from KCS and am planning on picking up $ tomorrow if that's cool.
My sister is LOVED by her puppies and I am the best Uncle they have!
I need some advice on buying shorts, considering the only pair I have are Abercrombie & Fitch Camo. Cargos.
Gas is outrageous.
Los Angeles is burning hot.
Stella Artois tastes tasty when it's chilly
I'm in a virtual slump and need to overcome it before it becomes reality.
I need to buy a computer, or steal one from a friend so I can be creative on my photo stuff.
Brandy and Whiskey don't taste good to me straight.
I like living in a clean environment and need to figure out how to make enough money in the next 10 years so I can do that.
I'm excited about starting...your choice...we'll see if you're right.

I just wanted to post this picture...I thought it was neato.

Bed, Island Green, Greenery

So, I have a bed. I am no longer sleeping on an air mattress. I loved the air mattress, it was a kind friend, always keeping me in check when in out in the Orange County nightlife. It was reliable, large, comfortable and sufficiently mobile. In fact, tomorrow, I'm going to take my air mattress, place it in my car, and take it to Xanadu. I don't have to call on any favors to borrow a truck or rent a U-HaulTM. to move my mattress. I like my new bed. My new bed is about the same size as the air mattress, but more difficult to move if I ever wished to do so.

I'm decorating my bedroom, and can't wait to paint. I've got a color picked out: Kelsey Island Green, it's a really nice/light/subtle green...I'm still looking for the accent color, I'm looking for something that will help me sleep (I've been having trouble with that lately). I'm planning on making my own curtains too. If anyone has any tips on sewing let me know.

I've been eating a lot of vegetables lately and feel hungry. I've been buying and cooking Organic stuff, soups mostly. My sister says when your body begins to digest pure greenery, it has different reactions...I guess mine is hunger...hunger for steak, ground beef and pork. I'm just trying to add variety in my cooking and eating. Digestion time for Steak: 4-6 hours, digestion time for Veggies: 2-3 hours. I'm usually a 1-2 meal a day guy, if I wanna keep eating the greens, I'll have to eat more. Well, that's all. My last post was boring.

Window

It's about time

It's official. I'm moving to Los Angeles. I had an Easter encounter which lead to random friendships and connections galore. I'll be living in Xanadu...and yes...Xanadu, like the movie.
My journey continues with a new turning point, an epiphany of sorts. I know what I'm meant to do, and I'm going to pursue the hell out of it. Wish me luck, it'll be a long road, but one I actually want to travel. If I call you, answer the damn phone...I'm calling for a good reason.

Scout's Secret

My roommates left me this weekend and headed to Puerto Rico, so, it's just me and Scout the rat. Scout and I have been spending some quality time today watching the NFL Draft and NBA Playoffs. I'm pretty sure Scout secretly loves watching sports and is equally as upset as I am that the Vikings didn't have a 1st. round draft pick this year. Scout told me to keep his devotion to the MN Vikings a secret from his parents. Scout also said he's more of an "upscale" type rat and he doesn't enjoy jam bands as much as pop songs. I suppose when rats rebel, they go all the way. I'm not saying anything to my roommates about this, they wouldn't believe me anyway.

The Commute to My Career

I suppose college is a time when normal people decide what they want to do for the rest of their life and spend the rest of their life building upon that decision. I don't know if I'm normal yet. I have a degree in Biology, yet I spent a good amount of my later years in education exploring that which is not exactly Scientific. I don't believe I was ever drawn to Science naturally. The subject itself did intrigue me at one time, however, the desire to prove to myself I could be successful in completing such a demanding and challenging degree was something I did to legitimize my education, not out of love for the subject.

So, here I am, thinking about my next move, but hesitant to really dive into what I might enjoy. I feel deeply obligated to continue in a direction where I know I have built up my skills and experience. It seems to be the quickest commute; I know the streets, the routine and expected time of arrival. The commute is easy, but I'm not sure I want it.

I'm just wondering if people go through this all the time, or if it's just me. We move away from our passions far too long, eventually the commute to pursue our desire suddenly becomes too far to drive and the possibility of being late is increased.

I don't know...I'm just thinking

To Those Who Wouldn't Know If I Had Gone Missing...

I'm fine. I'm not sleeping in my car or taking daily showers at the beach.
I've been to Big Bear about three times over the past two weeks helping my sister
with her new project (painting cabins).
Some pals in Long Beach have been gracious enough to let me take over their spare room while I nail down a place to live in Los Angeles (and if you're interested, there is a party tomorrow night to celebrate the 3.o birthday of kooter's wafer).
I'm still on the "search" and have re-focused my attention to Los Angeles County. As some of you know through my writings, I've loathed living in Orange County...it's a beautiful, comfortable, safe place...and perhaps I'll re-visit my options later in life, but for right now...I have no reason to remain there.
So there you go...
Here is an update for those who wouldn't know if I had gone missing...I'm fine.

Curb Side

When was the last time you slept in your car?
I've heard stories of long drives, late evenings, snowy conditions and rest stops. My favorite "slept in my car" story involves a drive up to Washington state, or perhaps a quick stop in Vegas in a friends driveway. Needless to say...I haven't really taken the time to enjoy the rare event of sleeping in one's car until this past Friday/Saturday. I loved it sooo much, I decided to make another go at it on Wed./Thurs.
There is so much one can learn, if they just take the time and energy to get to know their car. For instance, I've learned the backseat of my car has a gynormous "hump" in the middle; this causes severe strain and sharp pains to the back. The purplish tint on the rear windows do provide sufficient shading from the glaring streetlights, as well as conceal from patrolling police and or thieves. On Wed./Thurs. I slept in my drivers seat...fully reclining, this was more like sleeping in an airplane...first class.
If I ever decide to sleep in my car again, I will choose the passenger side...and turn on the butt warmer.

Guess Who's Out of A Job...

ME!!!
So...Now that I'm on the job search again...I thought it would be nice to take in some suggestions as to what you think would be a suitable placement for me.
If you could...please list 5 possibilities in ranking order 1-5 with 1 being first choice.

Kind of nice...the unemployment sessions with actual unemployment pay.

I love relationships...

...so much because I am forced to learn more about myself. Not the myself I've wanted to be, or the me I've thought myself to be...but the myself I know I can be, and must be in order have that "perfect girl." I think we all know who I'm talking about ( it's not the "cook, clean, silent" type).
This is a tribute to the "perfect girl":

She's the one who tells you to stop smoking (and you actually listen...sorry mom)
She's the one who wants you to know what she's thinking and anticipate the next plan of action
She's the one who tells you to call when you get home (and you actually listen...again...sorry mom)
She's the one who offers to drive to LA to see your friends band
She's the one who watches NFL playoffs and knows you like that she's watching it with you
She's the one who likes it when you bring flowers, write tributes and say "I miss you"
She's the one who will patiently deal with your stupidity
She's the one who will order you a Guinness cause she knows it's your drink of choice
She's the one who will graciously point out the flaws, we all believe as single men, are not flaws at all
She's the one who will give options, but choose when you don't really care
She's the one who will play Texas hold 'em and kind of intimidate
She's the one who will cry on your shoulder when Harold Crick accepts his fate

But most importantly...She's the one who can see through the rebellious, prideful facade put on by the man who wanders this land looking for nothing else but the warm, sleepy love of the perfect girl who should never give him a second thought...and only by chance, the stars aligned, the clouds parted and she appeared when he was ready.

So, I spent my weekend away...away from stress, away from rest, away from soberness, away from my lady, away from harsh realities...I spent my weekend away. "The Silver Lake Experience" as I like to call it, was an unexpected gift. 3am...with talk of women, wine, children and all the wonderment of life.

It is not often a man, such as myself, who spends every moment alone with thoughts of himself has a moment with thoughts not of himself. This weekend, I had a many a moment with thoughts of someone else, a someone else coughing and sickly; a someone else who should not be coughing and sickly by their lonesome. I decided to remedy that Sunday night. I cannot remember a time when I've said "hey, baby...how about we get some dinner, rent a couple romantic comedies and cuddle on the couch." yeah...romantic comedies...I was at that point. Movies of choice: Licensed to Marry and The Holiday. Whoa! Yes! Very very good...splendid I would say. It is amazing what a RC can do to settle a cough.

So now, I am back to my harsh realities. My dreams are not of bears in a mystical forest, they are of documents, reports, W2 forms, car registration, interviews, love, worry like water slipping through my fingers. I'm buying my time, and it is expensive. I have my friends, I have a someone else...I have desires, I have hope, I have ambition, I have lost a need for pride to be apparent.

I don't know why...

...but I have this strange feeling I shouldn't be writing on my blog anymore.
I don't feel as comfortable as I used to.
There are a lot of cool things happening right now...and by cool I mean...not really that cool.
I would probably say...complicated. That's what it is...complicated.
It's the usual season when everything that could go wrong does go wrong. When it rains it pours.
When it pours, the thought of even writing about the pour could make things worse.

Love IT!!

It's 1-02-2007

And not really feeling it right now.

Spent lots of time doing lots of things this Holiday season.

1) Xmas Party #1 at lady's house with mixed nuts (friends) old and new. Drank some really good holiday punch...mmmm yummy. Didn't have a cigarette.
2) Xmas Party #2 at Pasadena with old friends...again, didn't have a cigarette, and this was the look on the faces of friends when they found out I don't smoke anymore.


3) Weekend in Selma with the lady
4) Xmas Eve with the Simms...drank some good wine out of cool wine glasses, ate some ham and played some games...it was fun and relaxing.
5) Whale watching on Dec. 29th and I found out how to use another funky feature on my camera this is what happened....Oh yeah...we saw some sea loins too!
Where was I? Oh yeah...
6) Lemon Soju + Hite beer + Coors Light = Kereoke of course!! Crica Dec. 30th
It doesn't end there folks...more to come. Happy New Year