That's The Stuff!

30 Things to Stop Doing To Yourself

2012-01-19T23:32:00.002-05:00

http://www.marcandangel.com/2011/12/11/30-things-to-stop-doing-to-yourself/

Stop spending time with the wrong people. – Life is too short to spend time with people who suck the happiness out of you. If someone wants you in their life, they’ll make room for you. You shouldn’t have to fight for a spot. Never, ever insist yourself to someone who continuously overlooks your worth. And remember, it’s not the people that stand by your side when you’re at your best, but the ones who stand beside you when you’re at your worst that are your true friends.
Stop running from your problems. – Face them head on. No, it won’t be easy. There is no person in the world capable of flawlessly handling every punch thrown at them. We aren’t supposed to be able to instantly solve problems. That’s not how we’re made. In fact, we’re made to get upset, sad, hurt, stumble and fall. Because that’s the whole purpose of living – to face problems, learn, adapt, and solve them over the course of time. This is what ultimately molds us into the person we become.
Stop lying to yourself. – You can lie to anyone else in the world, but you can’t lie to yourself. Our lives improve only when we take chances, and the first and most difficult chance we can take is to be honest with ourselves. Read The Road Less Traveled.
Stop putting your own needs on the back burner. – The most painful thing is losing yourself in the process of loving someone too much, and forgetting that you are special too. Yes, help others; but help yourself too. If there was ever a moment to follow your passion and do something that matters to you, that moment is now.
Stop trying to be someone you’re not. – One of the greatest challenges in life is being yourself in a world that’s trying to make you like everyone else. Someone will always be prettier, someone will always be smarter, someone will always be younger, but they will never be you. Don’t change so people will like you. Be yourself and the right people will love the real you.
Stop trying to hold onto the past. – You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading your last one.
Stop being scared to make a mistake. – Doing something and getting it wrong is at least ten times more productive than doing nothing. Every success has a trail of failures behind it, and every failure is leading towards success. You end up regretting the things you did NOT do far more than the things you did.
Stop berating yourself for old mistakes. – We may love the wrong person and cry about the wrong things, but no matter how things go wrong, one thing is for sure, mistakes help us find the person and things that are right for us. We all make mistakes, have struggles, and even regret things in our past. But you are not your mistakes, you are not your struggles, and you are here NOW with the power to shape your day and your future. Every single thing that has ever happened in your life is preparing you for a moment that is yet to come.
Stop trying to buy happiness. – Many of the things we desire are expensive. But the truth is, the things that really satisfy us are totally free – love, laughter and working on our passions.
Stop exclusively looking to others for happiness. – If you’re not happy with who you are on the inside, you won’t be happy in a long-term relationship with anyone else either. You have to create stability in your own life first before you can share it with someone else. Read Stumbling on Happiness.
Stop being idle. – Don’t think too much or you’ll create a problem that wasn’t even there in the first place. Evaluate situations and take decisive action. You cannot change what you refuse to confront. Making progress involves risk. Period! You can’t make it to second base with your foot on first.
Stop thinking you’re not ready. – Nobody ever feels 100% ready when an opportunity arises. Because most great opportunities in life force us to grow beyond our comfort zones, which means we won’t feel totally comfortable at first.
Stop getting involved in relationships for the wrong reasons. – Relationships must be chosen wisely. It’s better to be alone than to be in bad company. There’s no need to rush. If something is meant to be, it will happen – in the right time, with the right person, and for the best reason. Fall in love when you’re ready, not when you’re lonely.
Stop rejecting new relationships just because old ones didn’t work. – In life you’ll realize that there is a purpose for everyone you meet. Some will test you, some will use you and some will teach you. But most importantly, some will bring out the best in you.
Stop trying to compete against everyone else. – Don’t worry about what others doing better than you. Concentrate on beating your own records every day. Success is a battle between YOU and YOURSELF only.
Stop being jealous of others. – Jealousy is the art of counting someone else’s blessings instead of your own. Ask yourself this: “What’s something I have that everyone wants?”
Stop complaining and feeling sorry for yourself. – Life’s curveballs are thrown for a reason – to shift your path in a direction that is meant for you. You may not see or understand everything the moment it happens, and it may be tough. But reflect back on those negative curveballs thrown at you in the past. You’ll often see that eventually they led you to a better place, person, state of mind, or situation. So smile! Let everyone know that today you are a lot stronger than you were yesterday, and you will be.
Stop holding grudges. – Don’t live your life with hate in your heart. You will end up hurting yourself more than the people you hate. Forgiveness is not saying, “What you did to me is okay.” It is saying, “I’m not going to let what you did to me ruin my happiness forever.” Forgiveness is the answer… let go, find peace, liberate yourself! And remember, forgiveness is not just for other people, it’s for you too. If you must, forgive yourself, move on and try to do better next time.
Stop letting others bring you down to their level. – Refuse to lower your standards to accommodate those who refuse to raise theirs.
Stop wasting time explaining yourself to others. – Your friends don’t need it and your enemies won’t believe it anyway. Just do what you know in your heart is right.
Stop doing the same things over and over without taking a break. – The time to take a deep breath is when you don’t have time for it. If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting. Sometimes you need to distance yourself to see things clearly.
Stop overlooking the beauty of small moments. – Enjoy the little things, because one day you may look back and discover they were the big things. The best portion of your life will be the small, nameless moments you spend smiling with someone who matters to you.
Stop trying to make things perfect. – The real world doesn’t reward perfectionists, it rewards people who get things done. Read Getting Things Done.
Stop following the path of least resistance. – Life is not easy, especially when you plan on achieving something worthwhile. Don’t take the easy way out. Do something extraordinary.
Stop acting like everything is fine if it isn’t. – It’s okay to fall apart for a little while. You don’t always have to pretend to be strong, and there is no need to constantly prove that everything is going well. You shouldn’t be concerned with what other people are thinking either – cry if you need to – it’s healthy to shed your tears. The sooner you do, the sooner you will be able to smile again.
Stop blaming others for your troubles. – The extent to which you can achieve your dreams depends on the extent to which you take responsibility for your life. When you blame others for what you’re going through, you deny responsibility – you give others power over that part of your life.
Stop trying to be everything to everyone. – Doing so is impossible, and trying will only burn you out. But making one person smile CAN change the world. Maybe not the whole world, but their world. So narrow your focus.
Stop worrying so much. – Worry will not strip tomorrow of its burdens, it will strip today of its joy. One way to check if something is worth mulling over is to ask yourself this question: “Will this matter in one year’s time? Three years? Five years?” If not, then it’s not worth worrying about.
Stop focusing on what you don’t want to happen. – Focus on what you do want to happen. Positive thinking is at the forefront of every great success story. If you awake every morning with the thought that something wonderful will happen in your life today, and you pay close attention, you’ll often find that you’re right.
Stop being ungrateful. – No matter how good or bad you have it, wake up each day thankful for your life. Someone somewhere else is desperately fighting for theirs. Instead of thinking about what you’re missing, try thinking about what you have that everyone else is missing.

Why I felt "Inception" was 'meh'.

2011-10-31T13:34:00.000-04:00

Okay, so it didn't entirely suck. I just don't get why people made such a big deal about the movie. With such high expectations and anticipation; this film was going to disappoint or lack somewhere.

Going into a Chris Nolan flick, viewers knew it wasn't just going to be a big budget Michael Bay debacle. It would at least be thought provoking and suspenseful. Thought provoking it was, however; it wasn't very suspenseful. Why? because of the characters and story.

Immediately after the movie ended, several individuals were telling their friends they followed the twisty plot all the way through. I could hear in their voice how smart they felt while smugly explaining why the characters did what they did. Great - you lost the point entirely. Just because the storyline, timeline, and even dimension of a movie is delivered in a complicated way and somehow comes together in summary, doesn't make it a great film. It just makes the viewer feel they were clever enough to follow along. It must be a good movie then (pause) NOT!

Did anyone really care about the characters in this film? I didn't.
Did anybody look outside of the box of why the story is even taking place? To those people still piecing together the timeline... step outside of the box and figure it out.

This movie had so much potential because of the ultimate idea of 'inception', its plausibility and its possibilities of execution. Unfortunately this became the underlying 'idea' which was hidden among the confusion of the plot delivery. The motivations of the characters (although, well acted) didn't make sense nor did I feel any connection to each role. I didn't see any real portrayal of emotion to themselves and their comrades. This misdirected energy on the part of the characters and the story itself is where this movie failed.

The basic idea is what could have made this movie great - like a parasite - “You need the simplest version of an idea for it to grow in the mind.” Nolan's delivery of the film did not focus on the philosophy of letting a simple idea grow.

Great Movie Moment

2011-04-20T01:38:00.001-04:00

@ the end of Die Hard when Bruce Willis
and
"Carl Winslow" see each other

...and they just know

Get Your Good Luck Charms!

2011-04-18T01:15:00.000-04:00

Okay, so the church was packed today because all these CNE Christians came to get their Good Luck Palms. The worse part is that you always end up with the more unruly and loud people coming up to the choir gallery because they're late and there's no more room down on the main floor. It sickens me.

The only good thing is that I didn't have to tell someone to shut-up like a few weeks ago.

Zdeno Chara DESTROYS Max Pacioretty HD - Full Incident

2011-03-11T00:08:00.001-05:00

HF Boards Link

I've always wondered about this as well. Why not move the stanchion out back, or add an angle so that it's not a flat out dead spot if someone hits it. It's very easy to change that. Let's get someone from NASA on this. Good luck to Max Pacioretty.

Speech for Andres & Stephanie Silva... the new A.S.S. Couple.

2010-10-14T00:44:00.002-04:00

Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen, Friends and Family;

For those who don’t know me, my name is Manny and I’m Andres’ really good friend from Toronto, oh yeah... ladies, I’m the Best Man.

Before I get started, I’d like to begin with some Thank-You’s

First, I’d like thank everyone who helped with the ceremony, ‘decorating’ for this party, and helping in the planning. Thank you. (applaud)
Secondly to the bridesmaids, you’ve done a magnificent job helping the bride today. You all look beautiful (Don’t they Everyone!? (applaud), so a big thanks to you too.
Finally, on behalf of Andres I would like to thank his beautiful new wife Stephanie for showing up today. "Big Thanks!!!"

Okay, on a serious note, I first met Andres more than 10 years ago when we both worked at a Bell World phone store back in Toronto. As most of you know, he has no problems of speaking his mind while adding a humorous twist to everything. Even with our first interactions as co-workers, I knew right away that he was an interesting fellow, bordering on weird.

Myself, being a person who is finicky even in choosing friends; up until writing this speech I didn’t know how or why we became great friends. I don’t want to say it was difficult trying to single out qualities that we all admire, but it’s not one that’s simple to identify.

It’s his drive for success and having fun doing it. No matter what it is that he does, he gives it his all.
His “Go Big or Go Home” attitude is infectious.

1. There's his buddy Danny who brought fireworks to the STAG, that was a Blast!
2. I also remember a few years ago, we went to Montreal for the Grey Cup, just a couple hours before kick-off during the pre-game drinking he went to the extreme of shaving his head in the hotel bathroom along with Jeff Neville…just for the kicks!
3. There was also the first time that I met Steph. They both were visiting Toronto, and Andres was looking for a sport coat for work. Spontaneously he comes up with the idea that we should drive to Buffalo to make this task moderately interesting. Steph and I agreed that the 2 hour drive across the border just for a jacket would be fun. We ended up buying the coat and a scarf. I bought a video game…AND Steph bought an Xbox controller. Sure, it was a simple little trip but I got to know Steph and all the things that Andres said about her were true.

When I first heard of Stephanie, Andres had a way of putting her in such high regard that I hadn’t heard before from him about any other girl. Even though they were still in the early stages of dating, I think he knew that she was special. I thought he was really gaga in love with her and that she was the one.

He would describe her as he would describe himself – Smart, Beautiful & Funny.

From that point on he’s always seemed the happiest he’s ever been since Steph entered his life.

I noticed that they both share the same virtues. Even through the stress of planning for their wedding and their dance, they would go about it with the same drive and motivation so that all of us here would have a great time.

As we all share in this momentous occasion with them, I would like to propose a toast in wishing them the happiness that they both deserve.

Please raise your glasses…

“To love, laughter, and happily ever after.” WAIT WAIT WAIT… that’s too Cheesy….
“May you have love, health & wealth; but most importantly,may you have the time to enjoy them all!”

CHEERS!!!

-----------------This was the original speech we wrote up during a drunk night with Jeff, Andres, and Paul (who started his contagious laughing again). Steph said that we all sounded like little girls giggling.

(to be said in a fobby Filipino accent)...
Hello my name is Manny. I'm from Toronto. Andres is a good friend. He likes beer, likes got sauce, likes hot wings, ... And he's brown. The End.

Ladies in the Washroom Talk.

2010-07-12T12:42:00.000-04:00

So I was wondering what you ladies talk about while you're 'powdering your nose'.

Let me set this up so you'll understand why i'm querying this:

Usually at the urinal, if there's another guy in there, a safe distance away and you're both doing your business, sometimes the silence is too awkward that someone has to break it. Usually this is done with a question about a recent sporting event - take the World Cup for example, "So what a boring finale wasn't it?" or "Lebron is a sell-out eh?" or the ever popular "Leafs suck eh?"
These are questions any guy can usually involve themselves in the discussion and not feel awkward about the situation.
Every once in a while at work I see females who have just come out from 'powdering their noses' and they're usually talking about puppy dogs and ice cream. It doesn't matter if there's a big age difference, or they're not even in the same department, they're relating to each other and they were probably complete strangers before they even entered into the ladies room.

So my question is, what kind of small talk was initiated to break the ice? Does it begin when you're both sitting in the stalls or is it done at the sink? Do women also have the rule where you have to have a buffer zone in between the used stalls? Do you hide your work pass so nobody knows who it is?

Sunday Rants?

2010-06-29T11:21:00.001-04:00

I think I'll start putting out a Sunday rant from mass. I have enough from the past 10 years to last for a while; however, I'll try to keep the subject light as religion is often touchy for those sensitive types.

Cell phones in Church
Okay, so you forgot to turn your cell phone off, put it on silent or vibe, I'll forgive you on that account. What is with those people that have the phone ringing and then ignore it, pretending like it's not theirs? Hello!? I can clearly hear your stupid mambo music coming from your bag, it must be your phone, go in, take it out of your bag, and silence the dang thing!

Oh okay, it stopped ringing.

2 minutes later, you get another phone call and you're still ignoring it?

What is wrong with these people? I've seen it often enough from several individuals that it's not an isolated case. First off, you're disrupting the congregation's attention and you're insulting everyone's intelligence by thinking we don't know its yours.

I think I understand protesters now.

2010-06-28T15:00:00.003-04:00

Ever notice some people in stores or on the phone with their cell phone company that bitch and complain? In my experience in retail, I've noticed that they'll usually get their way. I think this is the motivation of "The Protestor". Often times, when the person complaining is louder or more irate, they will often get someone higher in the chain of command to come and talk to them.

Unfortunately this past weekend, the protesting voices fell on deaf ears. When there's fire and broken glass, nobody listens.

Azzuri upset!

2010-06-24T13:01:00.008-04:00

I for one think soccer is often a boring sport to watch. Depending on who needs to win or tie, teams just play to waste time if both are happy for a draw.

To play it's a different thing. I appreciate the skill and talent that these players are 'sometimes' showcasing. Unfortunately there's too much diving and whining in the game. I only tend to watch it when it's on the global stage like the Euro or World Cup.

Today was one of the most exciting round games I've seen (Italy vs. Slovakia), the Italian squad had to tie just to get through to the next round because it looked like a draw on the other game between New Zealand and Paraguay. Luckily for the excitement of the game, the Slovakian side scored first which forced the Azzuri to at least push for a goal.

The exciting part was the last part of the game because Slovakia was up 2 goals and then Italy scored, and they scored again but then it was deemed on offside. Shortly afterwards it was 3-1 for the Slovak team after a nice set play fromm a throw in. Italy then scored again to make the final 3-2.

It's a sad thing as St. Clair won't be as cheery. I did wear my Azzuri blue shirt today in support, although it has the Swiss Victoranox logo on it. I'd say businesses thrive on St. Clair because of the Italian team, now the hope will be for Portugal to have a good showing.

Not one person I saw today was dawning the Azzuri Blue. Only yours truly was wearing their colours today. Sure, it's not a true Azzuri jersey, it's a Victoranox Zip Polo with a Swiss logo on it. ^_~

an "ivandrew" of Natural Disasters

2010-06-24T10:52:00.000-04:00

Okay, so lately, I've been commenting on CBC.ca to many of the headline'd articles recently. Most of them have been on the World Cup news. Each entry so far has included the term "ivandrew" which is a combination of two colleague names here at work. I'm trying to build enough steam so that it'll catch on as an actual term meaning 3, or a "Hat Trick".

So lately, we've got an Earthquake, a 'suspected' Tornado ... and what else is gonna happen? What natural disaster is going to complete this ivandrew of Natural Disasters?

Closed Mouth Don't Get Fed

2010-06-22T10:01:00.000-04:00

So far, this is the best advice I've heard all year. A co-worker brought it up one day, and I think it's from this year's Ultimate Fighter season 11. I'm not sure what the context was but it can apply to many situations in one's life.

Speak up and be heard, or just let life pass you by without making an effort to change it.

Need a Last Minute MC? - Well then, I'm your Man

2010-06-21T16:45:00.001-04:00

First off congratulations to Vinh and Uyen on their marriage this Saturday. Like all weddings, no matter how much planning and preparation is done, there will always be some things missed or things that need changes last minute.

In this situation Saturday, we find out that the Emcee is unavailable for the Saturday night reception. I'm still somewhat in the dark as to why though - laryngitis or a heart attack?

So during the wedding ceremony in the afternoon, I get first word that the emcee is unavailable, and I get proposed for the first time if I can fill in. At this moment, I'm thinking it's a joke and am not taking it very seriously. Little do I know that I will get this same question asked seriously, a couple hours before the start of the reception.

I scramble to get the names of the bridal entourage, and the rest of the scheduled proceedings. Luckily I'm able to get most of it, and there were only a couple hiccups along the way.

The father of the bride took me aside and asked if he could say a little something, nothing too big.

FYI - Before announcing that the father of the bride wanting to say a little 'thank-you', make sure that the photographers are ready, the DJ is at the booth to lower the music, oh yeah, and ensure that the bride is at the head table. LOL

My Life According to Radiohead

2010-06-18T01:07:00.002-04:00

Using only song titles from an Artist/Band, answer these questions.
Try not to repeat a song. It's a lot harder than you think.
"My life According To (Artist/Band Name)"

Pick your Artist:
Radiohead

Are you a male or female:
Banana Co.

Describe yourself:
Paranoid Android

How do you feel:
Let Down

Describe where you currently live:
Life in a Glass House

If you could go anywhere, where would you go?
The Tourist

Your favorite form of transportation:
Killer Cars

Your best friend(s)?
Fitter Happier

You and your best friends:
Everything in its Right Place

What's the weather like:
High and Dry

Favorite time of day:
Permanent Daylight

If your life was a TV show, what would it be called:
Talk Show Host

What is life to you:
Prove Yourself

Your relationship:
Thinking About You

Your fear:
Body Snatchers

What is the best advice you have to give:
Anyone Can Play Guitar

Thought for the Day:
Bullet Proof...I Wish I Was

How I would like to die:
4 Minute Warning

My soul's present condition:
True Love Waits

My motto:
Optimistic

Back to Life... Back to Reality

2010-06-15T21:37:00.004-04:00

Well, bein' away from home 3 weekends in a row is tiring.

First weekend: Jack's Harbour (as we liked to call it). Nice cabins and a great place to just chill. Too bad the cabin owner was kind of distracting. No matter, it was very relaxing and the first of many outdoor activities for the spring/summer season. Location: North East of Peterborough around all the Kawartha Lakes.

Second weekend: Montreal for Vinh's stag...no comment ~ LOL. No Bar-B-Barn or Casino, but we did get to really see if Dunn's was better than Schwartz. Myth Busted. You can't top the taste nor the experience you get at Schwartz, still the best Montreal smoked meat around and the pickles there are amazing!

Third weekend: Drama filled weekend in Winnipeg for Steph and Andres' wedding social. I still love this city. Lots of city folk may think it's dull and cold but it's cozy and welcoming. If only Toronto women were a more stylish like the French Canadians, and more friendlier like the Winnepegans I'd be in heaven. Lots of cool people here.
I'm hoping preparations for the stag and wedding go more smoothly with less stress.

Anyways, back to life, reality, and work.

Currently Watching: 'ICO' Ending ~ Hoppipola version

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The ending of 'ICO' (one of the greatest PS2 games ever ~ seriously, if you can find a copy, do yourself a favour and pick it up) put to Sigur Ros' - Hoppipola

"Just walkin' my lamb home"

2010-05-03T09:34:00.011-04:00

??? Yeah, I know.
So, I'll try to be a born-again blogger and revive this online journal. In order to do this, some entries will probably be less interesting and not profound at all. Just some ramblings of some of my experiences.
Take for instance this past weekend. Rich and I were on our way home from Friday night hockey and it's already Saturday morning @ 2 a.m. Always looking for a shortcut home, Rich drives through some streets near the 12 Division Police department.

On one of the small side streets we see someone walking right down the middle of the road carrying something large in front of him. "Oh my God, is that guy carrying a body?" were the first words out of my mouth after seeing it. As we approached closer to the man and his cumbersome load, we realized that it was a lamb. "WTF?" were the next three words out of my mouth.
Rich notes, "We should probably check to see if he has a licence, he's transporting an animal."

I'm sure the same questions are racing through your mind that we both had.
1st - WTF? It's 2ayem and he's walking right down the middle of the street.
2nd - Is that his pet? Did it try to run away?
3rd - Did he just buy it somewhere? (keep in mind this isn't downtown, but it really isn't boonie town either, no farm land or anywhere).

A good question from someone here at work as I just told the story, "Why wasn't it on a leash?"

Currently Watching:
The Big Bang Theory

Season 3 - Online

Through the Door (Idiot!)

2008-01-11T01:09:00.000-05:00

[Passed 10:00PM] I'm on my way home from a really late night @ work and I decide that I wanna cut through the "First Financial" building @ Queen and Yonge. Normally the doors and especially the revolving doors are already closed by 9:00PM however; tonight I see that one of the doors are ajar. I go in through it and proceed towards the escalators but suddenly get stopped by the security guard. "Stop! how'd you get in here?" he asks firmly. With a raised brow I reply "through the door." looking right at the door that's still being kept open by a newspaper. With the second stupid thing out of his mouth he says, "Why did you come here?....That door's supposed to be locked". With a more annoyed tone of voice..."I'm going to the subway!" I continue, "that door is open". Again he states that the door is supposed to be locked. With a smirk on my face I tell him straight up, "Well I guess you're not doing your job." and walk away. *chuckles*

That's What I Call Hittin' the G-spot. ^_~

2007-09-21T19:16:00.000-04:00

Phew! That was a tough week. Work was grinding slowly and the work just kept piling up. Got to the point where staying a little later (like 2 hrs) helped for the next day ~ so being behind wouldn't be such a HUGE issue. Even during the weeknight, went out for a few beers just to unwind. Managed to catch a great movie/event "Night of the Creeps" at the Bloor/Bathurst cinema for a fun-filled evening last night. But the best event during the week was the Toronto Symphony Orchestra's opening night @ Roy Thompson Hall. They had a soprano, counter-tenor, a baritone, ....AND The 'Mendelsohn Choir' (which were a huge bunch) ~ the works I tell ya! They were playing Carmina Burana (which people know popularly as the 'Rickard's Red' theme. During the best part, the choir would stand abruptly at the same time... it was a trip! Anyways, thx for the great deal on the tix Dom, they were great seats as well.

Anyways, I've been looking forward this whole week towards this weekend in Niagara. It never felt so good hittin' that ~~G-Spot~~ on a Friday afternoon...ahem, I mean "Ground Floor Button" aaaaahhhhhh.... Oh yeah!

Currently Listening: Carmen Burana | "O Fortuna"

Ahhhh, Björk.

2007-09-12T01:20:00.001-04:00

What an exhausting weekend ~ volleyball, Virgin concert, paintball, and then day 2 of the Virgin Fest on the island. Well, the highlight for me was not the Smashing Pumpkins although I was hoping that it would be (the Killers stole the show on Sunday).

Just like the first time I saw Björk, she did not disappoint at all. On Saturday night, on the very same stage (@ Olympic/Centre Island) she performed at 4 years ago, she delivered yet another magnificent performance of musical genius. What sets her apart from other live performances is that she doesn't sound like a studio recording. She's always got something up her sleeve with a new sound re-mix and/or a different time arrangement.

Unfortunately the first concert of hers which I attended in 2003 will never be topped as I'm positive that there will not be another performance better than that. It was a once in a lifetime thing (just like when Mars was the closest it's ever been) and I witnessed it with my own eyes and ears, under a perfect sky, lit by the moon, Mars and the golden sparkles (from the pyro-show) that made it seem like it was daylight.

This past Saturday reminded me of that night ~ she had all the people in attendance (Björk fan or not) in the palm of her hand during "Unravel"

Currently Listening: Björk ~ 'Unravel' | Homogenic

While you are away
My heart comes undone
Slowly unravels
In a ball of yarn
The devil collects it
With a grin
Our love, in a ball of yarn
He'll never return it...

(So when you come back ♥ We'll have to make new love)

Why is there no Mention of the Haimster?

2007-07-26T00:48:00.000-04:00

I honestly don't care about the news too much (maybe I'm kidding myself, I guess I'll admit I'm interested enough to have read the article about Lindsay's recent involvement with the law.)

Blah blah blah... same old story ~her DUI & her 'so called' recovery from rehab...blah blah continued...

What caught my eye was this quote,

Lohan joins a long list of young actors who have battled problems with drugs, alcohol, or both. They include River Phoenix, Drew Barrymore, Corey Feldman, Anissa Jones, Danny Bonaduce and Macaulay Culkin.

...and what REALLY caught my eye in particular was the mention of Corey Feldman.

(pause) Where's the Haimster!!!???

Remember Me By...

2007-06-28T01:13:00.000-04:00

In the midst of 2 recent murder suicides, it's brought up thoughts of how people will remember you when you're gone. Not necessarily dead, but just no longer present. For example, remembering that kid in elementary who smelled like piss, or the cute girl that always wore that pretty hair-band, to the highschool bully, and that nerdo that always got rejected.

Sure, often we like to leave that lasting impression on people to remember you from the actions you've taken in life, but there'll be that one thing that others will label as your everlasting moniker (i.e. pee girl, or hooligan).

The other night, Pete calls me up in the middle of me watching a movie to tell me that Chris Benoit died. My first thought was, "Wow, another wrestler's passing with an untimely death" & "Man, he was a great wrestler." Thinking now, he probably was the best there ever was, however, since knowing now how he passed with murdering his wife and child then commiting suicide, I've got that unsympathetic feeling towards his demise.

Sure, it's quite a memorable 'action' that has taken place which will certainly cement his hallmark ("The Rabid Wolverine"), however, I think it'll be perceived by many in a negative way.

Now, let's take it down a notch to our own lives, as I hope none of us out there ever become that violent. There has to be that one defining characteristic that first comes to mind when people think of you. Funny? Fashion Savvy? Intelligent? Fat? etc...
Okay, I know I'm narrowing this down too much, as there definitely are more than a few qualities we have or would like to have others distinguish us by, but I'm sure this isn't always the case. Most of the time, it's that 1 negative consequence, that embarassing moment, or 'out of character' outburst that we forever will be associated with.

[Highschool moment ~ remember that girl who got caught giving a BJ in the stairwell? What happened to her?]

***FULL HOUSE ALERT!!!*** {cue the music}
I'll try to think positively, and hope that we will be linked as:
a great leader, courageous, a generous person, a sharer of knowledge, a listener, a kind person, tech savvy, supportive, a dedicated worker, honest, talented...etc...

"Go out there and leave your mark!"
***END ALERT!!!*** {lame Full House music fades...}

Currently Listening to:
"Sweet Destroyer" | Emm Gryner

Album: Summer of High Hopes

Florida ver. 1.2

2007-05-23T03:20:00.000-04:00

I've titled and kept these posts in 1.0 to 1.2 status instead of starting the 2.0 b/c I'm definitely coming back here...I think I'll be setting aside 1 week every year just to come down to Florida. (we've got an open invitation to come down here any time we want...yay!) Apart from California, the weather down here is absolutely lovely.

I think we've been lucky and stupid...after speaking with the neighbours here and telling of our escapade on the golf course in the middle of the night. We were soooo wide eyed when we saw the expressions on their faces of how stooooopid we were to do what we did. Apparently it's mating season here for the alligators (and almost everything else under the sun...there are these bugs that seem to be having sex in mid-air everywhere we go) and the gators here are really aggressive and more prone to chase after you. Luckily the big one we saw the other day just high-tailed it into the water hazard ~ also apparenty the deadliest snake in Florida resides around our area and likes trees, tall grass, and the little pockets of water (all of the familiar symptons relating to the golf course that we have right here). Luckily no one got bit or else we'd be dead within the hour without any medical assistance.

Today we hit the beach and all I have to say is WOW! Finally, some nice young ladies our age in the skimpiest 2 pieces and visible tan lines...OMG! The beach is a white sand and the water very salty which makes it easy for a non-swimmer like myself to tread water.

One thing I 4got to mention in the last post is that the drinks here are dirt cheap. Tonight we went to this indoor amusement park/bar kinda place and drank like fishes/kings (hehe) and the bill ended up being only 31 bucks! ... and when you count in an additional discount for happy hour...I know why I was so piss drunk by 4 in the afternoon, permissable drinking on the beach didn't help that cause either.

Tonight the bartender at the amusement park/bar place (Livingston's I think??) was a girl we noticed at the other bar in Siesta Keys the other night. She goes there every Sunday cos the live bad that performs there is so kick awesome. If I can remember it's that Kick @$$ band!

ne ways fallin' asleep here and need to hydrate myself as much as possible to avoid a hangover in the morning.

I'll try to keep u posted as much as possible but we only have a highspeed wireless connection in this neighbour in the daytime that we're (illegally??) using...Right now I' tethering off a Blackberry... oh yeah, that's the kewel thing with hangin' with techie guys that still work in telecomunications... we've got all these kewel gadgets like a Tom Tom GPS system that helps us find all the kewel places around here.

Tomorrow we're gonna drive to Tampa across that bridge that was in "True Lies" ~ gonna be sweet!

*** noticed today ***
Every Floridian here loves to say "ya'll"

ciao bella!

Florida ver. 1.0

2007-05-21T22:28:00.000-04:00

What a great trip, only the 3rd day in and there's so much to say that I probably will miss a few things. Still haven't even touched the beach and I'm very satisfied already with what we've done so far....golf, alligator hunting, shopping, island bars/pubs with the locals, oh yeah, chilling in the yard and just getting polluted. I can't even believe to tell you how nice the red carpet has been set out for us here (Andres, Arty, Paul & myself). Andres' uncle owns one of these very nice beach houses here in Palmetto ~ just a sick house, fully furnished with all the little amenities that add up to make things so lax here. All we had to do was to get an oil change for the minivan which was made available for us and buy a new barbecue for the summer house (funds supplied by the generous host).

The only thing I would have to say that's been difficult is finding girls our age around here because everyone is soOoOo old. It's like the whole neighbourhood (let's just say the entire area here within Sarasota) is like a geriatric unit @ a hospital.

Last night though, we went into town and asked the cute waitress we had @ Applebees for places to hang & party. What I noticed is that you'll get the extremes here...really nice interaction or just biachy attitude. Most so far have been welcoming receptions, and if there are any negative vibes, it's just stares of 'stay away'. What I'm afraid of are the nice girls that have come down here are actually from up north and have come down here and then stayed (ie. Montana & New Hampshire), it's gonna be hard when we have to come back home.

There is this awesome place we went last night @ the Sierra Keys (crazy hard drinks, a kickin' @$$ band, and approachable girls. I'm lovin' this place, and that was a Sunday night, it apparently really kicks from Thursday to Saturday so we'll definitely be there.

The night before, we went alligator hunting which ~thinking about it now was effin' crazy. We went out into the golf course (no exagerration, the 15th hole is right in front of the back yard. It was past midnight and we decided in our drunken state to start looking for alligators. Anyways, there was no luck but it was a blast...we were just roaming around the course, stumbling about, and stopping cautiously @ every large rock that looks like a gator. On the way back a hissing starts only about a foot to our right...I swear to God, I nearly pissed my pants as I thought it was a gator. We started running in all different directions as the sprinklers in our immediate area started going off and we were still freakin' out ~ good times.
When we went golfing, we actually saw a real huge gator....got great pics and an ultimate video...after seeing that, we're definitely not going out again, that was crazy.
More to come (once I remember the other things I know I've missed)...Peace!

I'm No Trouble Maker But...

2007-04-14T23:52:00.000-04:00

...lately, my New Year's Resolution of "No More Mr. Nice Guy" has been in the back of my mind while going about my daily experiences...

...perhaps it started on my birthday when I got riled up a bit (I mean drunk) and I began throwing glass on the dance floor @ the Bier Markt. I'm usually the one to calm others down and avoid confrontation at all costs, however, when the chain reaction of people putting their empty beer bottles and pint glasses on our 'reserved' table didn't stop, I began to get irked..."Thanks Pete!" hehe. As soon as someone put their empty beverage container on the table, I just tossed it off! (not caring if it would hit anyone) I threw a couple of beer bottles in the crowd, then apprently I also pulled a Greek "Opaah!" and smashed a plate on the floor.

...or maybe it's that movie Grindhouse which has gotten me all pumped up lately. I won't give my personal review because I couldn't do it justice, however, here's a link that'll give the very essence of what this movie is all about:
(plain and simple, if you 'get' this review, you'll not only piss yourself laughing, you'll go see it and wonder why you're reading this blog and not sitting in a theatre right now watching 2 movies for the price of one! )
(If you don't 'get' it, then this movie ain't your cup 'o tea, I wonder what kinda movies get you off! ~ "The Secret"?!?! pffffffft!)

Some guys are laughing at me at work because I can't stop talking about Grindhouse and how kick @$$ this frickin' movie is. Yesterday it was like a vitamin B-12 shot in the arm when I saw this movie again as it carried over into today...after Fonz, Dom, and myself finished playing pool this afternoon we sorta mall-ratted around the plaza...I was just about to cross the intersection in the parking lot when some stoopid lady does a quick 'stop and go' right in front of me. As she almost ran over my foot I hit the back of her trunk á la "Buddha's Palm"
"WHACK!!!" It made quite a loud noise.
I'm not calling her stoopid because she's the 'antagonist' in my story, I'm not expressing my anger towards her... No. She is being described as stoopid because right after pulling that 'stop & go' maneuver in front of me, there were cars already blocking the intersection for her to cross, she had nowhere to go, and she just sat there waiting anyways... JUST STOOPID!

This "new attitude" thing may have to calm down a little because at the time I smacked that car, I didn't know who was in it. It coulda been some crazed maniac with a gun, or maybe even James Bond on a mission (that would be good enough reason for me as to why he would be in such a hurry.) I walked towards the car, the window opens and we get into this shouting match of F-Bombs which I believe I won. Why? Because I had the last two words...(you can guess which two) plus 2 middle fingers which I 'ad libbed'. LMAO!

This has happened before ~ I was on my way to work, some guy was rushing and was turning left right in front of me. I was close enough to kick his Mercedes twice as he zipped by. He stops and and I dare him to do something about it. I guess he knew that he was at fault and just gave me an evil stare after examining that there weren't any scratches, I replied in a similar manner as described above (same two words, single finger only, although it was held sideways à la gangsta).

The Resolution wasn't meant for me to cause trouble or become a jerk, the philosophy is simple: No More Mr. Nice Guy ~ nice guys finish last!

***
Anyways, read the review I linked above or save yourself some time by skipping the reading part and just go see the movie. This way you can confirm my findings if the phone number being text messaged by Sydney Poitier in the movie is 1 512 431 2164. (It doesn't work so I'm wondering if I got the right number or not.) Plus you'll thanks me later for recommending such a kick @$ kinda movie...you'll be whacking people's cars in no time! ROFL!

If anybody has seen that BS Self Help dogma being preached by Oprah called "The Secret" I'm hoping you didn't buy into it because it's stoopid. (How's that for "No More Mr. Nice Guy"??) Lately I've been compelled and motivated to blog my thoughts on it.

L8rs

Currently Listening:
"Chick Habit" | April March

Soundtrack | "Deathproof"

Myspace Vs. Facebook.

2007-04-03T01:49:00.000-04:00

I'll come out and say it straight out. Myspace still rules. In terms of it's ability for the user to truly express themselves and allow creativity sets it apart from facebook and other social networking sites. It's what ppl do to abuse this creativity that makes some profiles suck @$$. Facebook is pretty kewel too, but the only reason why I'm hooked on it is cos more people that I actually know in real life (especially the past) are on it.

Anyhoo, finally posted the Montreal trips to the picture page (Link Here --> mannypics.blogspot.com

I'll try to quickly post b-day on facebook see how it turns out. Will be the true test.

Phew! I'm back! ~ (Loggia Found)!

2007-03-14T22:32:00.000-04:00

Finally got my internet access back up and running. For some reason, the modem just decided to stop transmitting info from the phone line to my computer. Didn't realize how much I would miss perusing all the information I eat up in a simple week. From hockey pools, blogs, social networks, oh yeah, plus YouTube & "Google Video". Missed some important things as well, like a birthday invite, and sadly, an online friend losing a loved one.

Just wanted to post some e-mail chatter during work that I thought was funny and didn't want to lose it so will post to share and archive:

To those who aren't aware, Dom finally found that Minute Maid Commercial with Robert Loggia in it. I've gotta post this up too so everyone can see the genius of it as well.]

>>>>>
"Nick" <Nick> wrote:

So Dom's a BIG SHOT now? School? Who does he think he is....Robert Loggia?

>>>>>
"Dom" <Dom> wrote:

Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2007 4:27 PM
To: Nick; Mahknee; Pete; Fonz; Mike
Subject: RE: Leafs

Can't make April 1, and no Leafs for me tonight. In fact, why waste your time with those kids. Their season was over Oct.4, and officially 1sec after the trade deadline.

Nick... you got it all wrong. I'm attending the School of Loggia. No one here dares to be Loggia, but rather learn from him. Good class tonight: Loggian History. Did you know that in Swingers, the line "that's money" was originally written as "That's Loggia." No one knows why it wasn't kept.

>>>>>

From: Nick
Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2007 4:44 PM
To: 'Dom'; Manny; Pete; Fonz; Mike
Subject: RE: Leafs

Dom’s right! Why the heck do we bother with the boys in blue? I’ll tell you why, because we’re suckers. An entire city of suckers.

GOD himself could come down from the heaven’s and say “The Leafs are the worst team EVER”, and it would make no difference. Toronto would still love’em. What are ya gonna do?

As for the School of Loggia, this sounds intriguing. Is there anything this man can’t do?

“Mikey, you’re so Loggia, and you don’t even know it!” - Trent (Swingers, Original Cut)

>>>>>

From: Manny
Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2007 10:41 AM
To: Nick; 'Dom'; 'Pete'; 'Fonz'; Mike
Subject: RE: Leafs

Suckers we may be, but those “Leafs were soooo effin’ Loggia last night”.

Me: I’m sure there were a lot of Leaf fans smiling!
Domi: “They were smiling at what an @$$hole I was on TSN”
Trent: “We were all smiling at how Loggia they were!”.
Kyle Wellwood (without the Big Mac in his mouth): on Sundin’s solo effort goal last night: That was so fuckin' Loggia. It was like that "Jedi mind" $h!t.
Sundin: “I like Macs too!” ^_^
Antropov: “Everyone knows you’re Loggia, you don’t have to hang that gold medal in your locker anymore!”

Steen: I wish I just showed up more for the game with consistent effort!”
Kilger: “I heard some fans talking, They all thought we were Loggia, even you!”
Steen: “You’re a good friend.”
Kaberle: “Baby, you take yourself out of the game. You start talking to the media about puppy dogs and ice cream, of course they talk trash about you”

Maurice: “Screw the media, I’m so suave with them I look at them straight in the eye and tell it how it is!”
Raycroft: “What are you doing?!”
Maurice: “What?”
Raycroft: “You looked right at them, baby!”
Maurice: “They didn’t notice”
Aubin: “Yeah, they did!”
Raycroft: “Damn, now you gotta go in early.”

Oneill: “Ahhh, no worries, McCabe will handle ‘em”
Wozniewski: “He’s like this big bear with claws and fangs…”
Kubina: “…and big effin’ teeth!”
Coliacovo: “and teeth…and they’re like this little bunny cowering in the corner…”
White: “…Shivering…”
Ponikarovsky: “Like during the shootout…you’re just looking @ ur claws like ‘how do I kill the bunny & score a goal?’”
Don Cherry: “…and Lalongo’s just pokin’ @ it! He's just pokin' @ it!"

>>>>>

From: Nick
Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2007 11:37 AM
To: Manny; Dom; Pete; Fonz; Mike
Subject: RE: Leafs

Sundin’s goal last night was SO loggia. Give him another gold medal for that one. Antropov’s goal was good too, but not gold medal worthy. Looks like he’s going to have to sit and stare at Mats’ for a little while longer. The green-eyed monster of jealousy rears it’s ugly head, yet again.

Wellwood back in action. If you ask me, I don’t think he had surgery. I think it was the Big Macs that healed him. Apparently, taking Advil for a headache, is a thing of the past. Nowadays, your doctor tells you to eat a couple of Big Macs, and call him in the morning. I’m pretty sure, Mats ate a Big Mac just before scoring his goal last night. They’re like magic.

Pete, you should try eating a Big Mac for your neck pain. That should do the trick.

Mats and Kyle may love their Big Macs, but apparently they aren’t for everyone. Word has it, that Carly hates’em. Hasn’t had one since high school. That COULD explain her lack of gold medals.

On a side note, that Canseco blooper was the most loggia blooper ever.

Better Man

2007-02-23T01:23:00.000-05:00

As many others out there (I hope), we look to better ourselves in everything we do. I can't speak for everyone but I'll include myself in this...Sometimes it looks as if we're just looking to improve our image:
-lose weight
-own kewel clothes
-get the fancy car
-have the latest technology
-& be kewel and fit in with the crowd...etc...

However, how are we really becoming better people?
Sure we all think we're good people ~ "I'm not evil, I didn't steal, or kill anybody" ~ but I just don't think we're really getting it. Complacency is the culprit here, I think.

I saw this article today: A Call to Confession, for It Is Fading ~ Washington Post.
No, I don't think that confession is the key here, but you see how even faith is looking to have the quick fix? Feels more like a chore that has to be done to make others see it and be happy.
Other than confessing acts of 'making someone feel bad' or 'hurting them', I could never feel the total remorse when confessing a sin of swearing, dishonouring thy father and thy mother, or even coveting thy neighbour. Okay, maybe a little, but truly, I don't think we feel it, or am I the bad guy?

Anyways, had to get that off my chest, 'like a confession' ~ Any priests read this blog?
If there are, then that's my penance ~ and I'm in BIG Trouble!

Currently Listening:

Better Man|Pearl Jam

The Best of Both Worlds...

2007-01-15T19:48:00.000-05:00

Was a pretty good weekend (& a long one, hehe). Yes, was "Hockey Day in Canada" this Saturday, so went to go skating @ the local rink and then ended up watching hockey in the afternoon, (nice to see the Canadiens get whipped 8-3), sure it was the hated Senators that won but seeing the Habs and their precious goalie 'Huet' get the hook was worth it.
Finally the winter chill has come and I for one am glad, I get to actually use the winter tires, and snuggling under a warm winter blanket gives me the best sleep.
The funniest thing this weekend was after a birthday party I went to. Fine dining @ one of the trendy bars/restaurants in Mississauga (known to be one of the big cougar bars too). It was definitely scary as I walked past the club/bar area after my meal for the washroom. All the glaring eyes of the cougars as they look you up and down, hehe.
After the nice stuffed chicken breast I had, and when everyone else was done eating, we head over to the 'dance club' part of the establishment and it definitely was filled with the older women, but there was a good mix of 20-somethings as well. I think everyone had a great time.
After that, some people had the post celebration munchies so we head on over for the McDonald's drive-thru. This was the funniest thing for me. Most of the other people had already gotten their order and just parked up ahead. Once I got my 10 chicken-nuggets, I head on over and the first thing I see is a dog cage behind the truck of one of their SUV's and on top, a board of some sort acting as a table. Everyone's combos of burgers, and fries were on it, all that was missing was the checkered picnic blanket. hehe. (Mind you, it was cold as hell, at least minus 10 degrees, plus the wind chill. My fingers were freezing and everyone else started mentioning this as people reached for their fries, but no one really cared as we all stayed outside as we finished our meals, which was the funniest thing. One after the other, other people were coming out of the drive-thru (we received stares and grins)as they passed by the make-shift table we had propped up.

Today, had the U.S. holiday of Martin Luther King Jr., so I sort of got a few things done today. Got measured for 3 pairs of pants to be hemmed and cuffed, changed my oil (for the car of course). Now, headin' out with Pete & Nick for some wings.

So yeah, turning out to end off on a great long weekend.
^_^

Pan's Labyrinth

2007-01-11T00:48:00.000-05:00

So, putting you on the spot, I'll ask you to ask yourself, do you have an open mind? Even if yours just has a crack of openness, you'll really have a gratifying experience watching this flick. I went into this movie just knowing that I'll enjoy it. As most people do, I look at movie critics and listen to their dislikes and likes of a movie and make that comparison to mine. Although they may critique a film negatively, their description of what they didn't like may incline me to go see it because of my likes. I didn't watch the trailer as doing this ruins some parts of movies often.

I was going to give a vague/brief synopsis, but this trailer does a fine job without giving anything away...

Ebert said it best I believe, "A fairy-tale for grown-ups".

This is definitely a DVD purchase once it comes out...(using this as a cheap segue)
Speaking of DVD's I got the DVD for "A Scanner Darkly" this weekend and this movie was pretty kewel. Visually very different from most movies and an interesting story. A little confusing in terms of what is perceived for the characters so I think I'll enjoy watching this movie over and over again. I was disappointed a little though as this was one of those DVD's 'obtained' from Markham/China-town and didn't have the 2ndary commentary with Keanu Reeves in it which I was hoping. It would be really interesting to hear his take on the characters viewpoints and actions.

***
All night, this 'hummed' lullaby from tonight's movie has been in my head
A Long Time Ago ~ Pan's Labyrinth Lullaby

"Haunting & simple" ~ Nick

Re: NCAA CFB...In case you didn't know...

2007-01-09T23:08:00.000-05:00

...this is why college football rules!...

Fiesta Bowl

...and then the proposal

I have no idea how this highlight has eluded me all week. Must not of watched any t.v. (more specifically ~no sports highlights).
With such a disappointing championship game last night, I get the salt in the wound by seeing this highlight from a game that I didn't get to see. gah!

...and another one bites the dust...

2007-01-04T00:04:00.000-05:00

No, I'm not talking about James Brown or president Ford, and definitely not Saddam.
Sure, a week from planning on buying those tickets to James Brown's show @ Casino Rama, and pneumonia does him in? Sad to see him go, maybe next year. (my apologies | ongoing inside joke).

This hockey season is goin' great, fast paced and exciting, only if they eased up on that stoopid 'hooking' penalty they call every friggin' 5 minutes. I wasn't one who was saying, "I'm boycotting the NHL when they come back from strike", on the contrary, I was missing something inside, and couldn't wait 'till they came back. Yes, I love it that much, and I'm not offended when Americans exploit that stereotype of hockey-lovin' Canadians in their commercials and t.v. shows.

I'm definitely one to always watch jersey retirements, especially for hockey. Even though it was long, and dragged on a little, I'm glad that Detroit made a huge deal of Stevie Y's banner raising. (For some reason I thought it was supposed to be on Jan 9 for his number #19 ~ What happened to that?) Fonz? Jan 9? one nine? huh? lol

It was definitely tough watching a man struggle nervously as he poured his heart out in expressing his admiration and thanks to those people around him that helped develop him as a player and human being during his tenure in the Red Wing organization. Sure, he stuttered during the most emotional parts of his speech, but at least he didn't cry like a wuss à la 'Gretzky'. It was definitely from the heart.

*beating a dead horse* I've gotta say myself that he's definitely got class. Still not taking credit for what he's been known for ~ His Leadership ~ That part of his 'vocal curtain call' was emotionally touching, as soon as he started mentioning that his leadership was overrated, the crowd started negatively objecting that notion he even started ~ splendid.

In honour of the excellence, I've got a Mozart aria on the myspace profile page, this sick skillz competition of a 13 yr old from Quebec,

and this link (lifted from a myspacer's blog) of a kewel sushi restaurant in New York. Definitely for the rich though ~ ninjas cook and serve your food. That's definitely awesome.
http://www.ninjanewyork.com
They also have a youtube video (5 minutes long, but definitely interesting and funny to see how they take the ninja theme to the extreme).

Enjoy.

...it dont snow here, stays pretty green...

2006-12-26T02:36:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I stole a recent blog title from Emm Gryner... It's so appropriate tho. This Christmas season, I've been hooked on Joni Mitchell's song ~ River, mostly due to the skating away part, the Christmas-ee theme, and I'm tryin' to play this on piano and learning it by ear.

I have to ask..."Where's the snow?" Actually, I'm not really wanting the snow itself, but the colder weather which brings on the snow and better skating conditions. Christmas Day and it actually rained! For the first time ever, there are winter tires on the car and there's still no use for 'em. bah!

[aside] Happened to catch the Christmas episodes of "The Wonder Years" and noticed in the one where Mr. Cutlip was discovered by Kevin that he was a Santa @ a Mall. Mr. Cutlip holds a picture of his mother. It has a very close resemblance to Martin Scorcese's mom who does many cameos for her son and thought that maybe this could of been an inside joke. [aside complete]

I thought that the year of "Walking the Talk" went pretty well. I did almost everything that I said that I would do, and I just think I'll continue it.
As for resolutions, I was thinking it would be one of these...for kicks:
(1) 'No more Mr. Nice Guy' (nice guys finish last)
(2) Get into a fight (thought of this one on the subway this morning, I wonder why)
(3) Continue the fitness regimen to the extreme.
I'm open for suggestions.
____

...it dont snow here, stays pretty green
gonna make a lot of money
then I'm gonna quit this crazy scene
I wish I had a river I could skate away on
I wish I had a river so long
I would teach my feet to fly
Oh I wish I had a river I could skate away on...

Niagara Pics Posted...Sorta.

2006-12-19T02:09:00.000-05:00

Well, here are the Niagara Pics...Not all of 'em, I've ran out of sleeping time... mannypics.blogspot.com

Since the change-over on the blogger site (when I thought I'd lost my pics)...found out I can now post my pics on the blogger site easier thru Picasa but there still are a two little quirks that irk me a bit.
(1) It always leaves that little logo signifying that it was "Posted by Picasa" so I have to manually remove it every single post (just cos it bothers me & it doesn't look nice within the page) Gotta find out if I can set this up to leave it out automatically (It did with the other venue I was using previously).
(2) A nice thing is I can put multiple pics for just 1 post easily ~ I can group pics together which fit a certain theme for all the pics, BUT I can only post 4 @ a Time!?!!?!! gah! that's frustrating.
~~
I gotta find someone who enjoys skating or just wants to learn. Sure, skating alone yields a lot of practice time on new moves and just perfecting strides but it's tough to keep it up without company. Gonna set up a skate date with people @ work and see if we can squeeze in a group of ppl to go during our lunch break. Gonna be fun! ^_^

Currently Listening:
River

Joni Mitchell | BLUE

Its coming on christmas
Theyre cutting down trees
Theyre putting up reindeer
And singing songs of joy and peace
Oh I wish I had a river
I could skate away on.

$h!t3 Happens.

2006-12-16T03:55:00.000-05:00

You know when life is really good and there really isn't a serious care in the world?

Well, hopefully everyone has experienced those periods every once in a while.... Then shit happens, I'm sure this has happened to everyone as well.

Here I am looking on the Toronto Police website for a specific event on Friday last week. I truly despise 'the news' due to the media twisting stories and most people that watch it follow the trendy beliefs of "what should be important". Sure, there's a war here, another suicide bomber there, murder 20 something of the year...and other ridiculous things that shouldn't be news at all.

I guess it might affect some people to actually get up from their couch and do something about it, but I'm sure it happens rarely. When it does, maybe that someone will start a petition, or organize a protest, which I agree can have some effect on the world positively. On the other hand, to a degree, I believe that it does diddily-squat. This is why I hate watching the news. Correction, I don't really watch it, nor listen to it. It's always bad anyways.

So why am I perusing the police site? All I see are muggings and thievery in the city. Well, Friday night just before leaving for that engagement party, I happened to hear that an intersection where I would be driving through to get to the highway had been blocked off (parents were watching GlobalNews). A woman hit by a car while she was crossing the street. I thought nothing of it except that I would have to go another way. Unknowingly, it was news that should have been more effectual to me than just having to adjust my route. I'm just looking for some police report or any sort of news, and I can't find it for some reason. And I'm not gonna look for it on our local news websites...how can they be taken seriously when there's
(1) An ad of one sponsor: "LavaLife" and
(2) Banners promoting their syndicate cable station's prime time line-up???

gah!

A previously ill friend who valiantly fought and won his battle finally starts getting things back to normal. Efforts to attend concerts, intentions to have drinks some time before Christmas, plans for celebrating 2 friends' engagements...Yup, things were looking towards the 'up and up' without a care or worry in the world. Then, however, the worse thing happens (just before Christmas too). An old geyser with terrible eyesight and/or slow reflexes runs over someone you love.

My prayers are with him.

~~~
Apologies for such a cynical and perhaps distasteful post.
Just one of those dreadful nights before a funeral and I can't sleep.

The "Inbetween Hair" / BUZZZZZZ!

2006-12-11T22:44:00.000-05:00

Great way to start a blog...(let's talk about the weather). Luckily for my sake, the weather's been great. Here I sit typing while waiting for my hair to dry ~ soon to be buzzed short (even more than usual). I call it the 'inbetween hair' cos it's sorta short, but still long enough that when I put a hat on, I get the stoopid messy hat hair (and I'm not talking about this guy ) That's why I'm cutting it shorter than usual so I can start wearing a hat. As soon as the real winter weather kicks in, my head & ears are gonna pay for it through the bitter cold... I really hate messin' up my hair though so I usually don't wear one. Yes, the hoodie sorta works best alone or in combination with that winter headband thingy, but sometimes that looks weird, and still does mess up the hair a bit.
Sooo, off it comes...not all of it.

This weekend was alright. Friday night had an informal engagement party/get-together with some kewel friends, all the way in Pickering of all places hehe, then got a surprise call from my buddy Andres (from Winnipeg where their winter puts my whining about the cold weather 'in its place'). He was just in town for 1 night to pick up a car and drive it back.

So off we went to College Street...College Street Bar to be exact. I'd like to say the place was nice but it was really weird, and didn't have a balance that could make it a good place. All the people there seem nice, and the music was pretty good (DJ). Together though, it's a mess! All the people's conversations are rising in volume as they fight to be heard over everyone else. Add in the DJ's music, and the place has an uneasy aura. We stayed till they closed and no one set foot all night on the available dance floor, maybe it's better on a Saturday night? Would be a great place if they could find a balance or just pick one style (lounge bar vibe / groovy dance party vibe). They do make the best Caesar I've ever tasted though...wow, that's a spicy!!!

Despite it not being really cold, I still wish it was a little more chilly. As I've sent in my 'non-functining' Reebok pumps in for replacement, I've gotten all my cardio now from skating on soft ice. Sure the weather is nice, and you don't need gloves, but the ice is terrible, I'm more likely to break an ankle on this stuff. Good thing is that because the warehouse is out of my size and colour (I wouldn't take pink) they're giving me different pair and these are the higher end ones! ^_^

Currently Listening/Watching:
Bjork | ALL IS FULL OF LOVE

Mike Drunk on his B-Day Video [Super Dark /really only good for the audio]
Mike piss drunk on his birthday celebration. This prolly isn't really funny to those who don't know him, but to us that do, it's hilarious. After stealing the Wing-O-Rama sign and advertising it to on-lookers and passersby on the street, he goes ballistic. I love the part where he hails the "Beck" cab and starts yelling to the cabbie how good the wings are. The cab takes off and then Mike yells, "You ain't no BECK! You AINT...NO... BECK!!!. LMAO!

Montreal...Je me Souviens

2006-12-05T01:54:00.000-05:00

Will most likely miss a lot so I will just hope to get to the pics as soon as I can and just post really in depth comments on each pic.
Woke up early to return the rental van...okay, not that early, early for someone who just came back from a long drive I suppose.

I was really proud, both Fonz and I managed to drive the entire distance without any substitution: I drove all the way to Montreal, with just that 1 stop for gas, then Fonz drove all the way back (1 stop for gas where we usually stop by chance, "Cote Du Lac" @ night as well~much harder) back to Toronto.

Just before I forget, I have to mention that store where we bought those Mrs. Vickie chips and jerky. I forgot to take a picture of the sign outside the store which stated, "OPEN 25 HRS" I don't know how this is possible but it was interesting. As you can buy alcohol in Montreal in those little shops and convenience stores, Dom wondered if they can still sell beer/liquor (considering they were open all day long, PLUS that extra magical hour, hehe) Some drunken person opened the cooler and started bringing out a bottle, then the store clerk sternly told him to put it back in. I had to ask, "Why? what time can you still sell it?" He replied that they have to stop selling booze @ 11 pm. Just to clarify as I've been asked from my previous blog, St. Catherine (the main street in Montreal), not the city St. Catherines. I believe it's the main street, as it reminds me of our Dundas/Yonge St. area with all the shops, and droves of people walking about.

Fonz, again was the lucky 1 at the casino, I believe he was up $185 @ the Blackjack table, and then after I lost my $20 @ the slot machines, we were looking for Fonz so we can take off...we find Fonz digging the well bottom of a slot machine for another extra $60 from the slot machine. It was really nice on our last day there, the snow was coming down (the big snowflakes type a snow!) and it wasn't cold @ all. As for the driving conditions, Fonz had a near bump/crash into one of the signs as we were leaving the Casino, it was pretty funny. "STOP STOP STOP STOP!!!" was all you heard in the van as we were approaching a fork in the road and Fonz decides to turn left 'last second', LMAO! The DVD player in the van was also a plus and made the trip fun. Although we brought about 10 DVD's we only watched 2: ELF, and "Dead....sumpfin'.. I can't remember, but it was Nick's weird movie that was directed by Peter Jackson.
~~
Will try to finish posting the Pennsylvania pics tonight *crossing fingers* but I'm falling asleep right now as I'm listening to Fonz's Evanescence CD ~ Fallen. From the summer Quebec City/Montreal trip, I found out that I fall asleep to this CD, so I tell Fonz to always bring it. When it's his turn to take the wheel, and for me to get some rest/shut-eye, this has to play. As I screwed with my sleep pattern from the trip, and todays early wake-up, my 1hr wait @ the tire place as they put my winter tires on (just in time ^_~) I love the snow!, and then a midday nap, I was wide awake a couple hours ago but I gotta get back into the groove of work. gah!

It was definitely fun!

"Je me Souviens" ~ I will remember.

Currently Listening:

"Haunted"~ Fallen

Montreal...B4 We Head Back.

2006-12-03T11:56:00.000-05:00

Okay, gonna make this a quick update. Just had a great breakfast a la Chez Cora's with the eggs "Retourner" (over-easy), breakfast sausage, crepe, jambon, and lots of fruit. ^_^ yummy.
Nick's Toronto Maple Leafs hoodie gave us away, so the girl that seated us at our table spoke english to us right away. At least, when I paid at the cash, my "merci" was good enough that I got a "de rien" as a reponse. ^_^

It was a heart breaking loss against the Habs last night but it was definitely entertaining. After the 2 nothing lead into the first, Mike and I had all the Habs fans around us quiet and dejected. All their Huet!!! Huet!!! chants and "Sixty Seven" It was great, our section was filled with Hab fans but there was still a good mix, as it's almost 50-50 with the Leafs and Habs fans, it actually feels like a home game. After some bad luck and costly errors, there was an overtime and then a shoo-tout to decide the winner. I can't believe Razr fell for that cheap move by Sheldon Souray, but he's not a great shoot-out goalie anyways. Despite the loss, it was a lot of fun going back and forth with the taunting and hollerin' with the opposing fans.

Went to a little grocery store where they sold those "Poppers" vodka drinks that taste like kool-aid. No bad after taste of vodka, and theyr'e not even sweet either, I don't know how they do it. I have to bring a case or two back to Toronto as I have yet to find them there. Well, it's time for a little drinky drinky first, then head out onto St. Catherine to walk and shop a bit, head over to Casino Montreal, then head back to good 'ol Toronto.

Au Revoir! ^_~

Montreal...I'm So Excited! I'm So Excited!!!

2006-12-02T02:55:00.000-05:00

Well, I should be asleep but was still hoping to post more of my pics from previous trips...been pretty busy lately with all that travelling. It's actually put a damper on my health regime, gained back 2 lbs. doggonit! Doesn't matter, it's sorta important but not a really big deal. Anyhoo, got to finishing posting the Wheat Sheaf pics and like...2 of the Pennsylvania pics. Finished editing up to the Jewel pics (which weren't all that great... I'm glad I took the vids tho ^_^)
So..."I'm so excited! I'm so excited" but hopefully I don't pull a Jesse Spano and end off with, "I'm So Scared!"

I'll get some sleep as soon as I finish this post so I won't need to caffeine up too much for the drive in which we hope to be on the road in 6 hrs. I do plan on having at least 1 Diet Rockstar for the trip, they're actually really tasty, much better than Redbull...I think I mentioned this already.

Well, hopefully all the Leafs need is a Saturday Game in la belle province against the Habs to get themselves out of this slump they're in right now. Gonna be crazy!, not as crazy as the Niagara trip as the hangover was truly not enjoyable. Well, you will be missed Pete, hopefully this is all a joke and you've gotten us really good.

Until I finish posting the rest of the pics, I still have some more vids for ya.

Niagara Hotel Wrestling ~ I either talk like this all the time or my high pitched voice comes out really well when I'm drunk. We finished off chugging the Canadian Club and then did about 30 Zanta push-ups, and then got crazy. Too bad Nick/Dom started filming late, I had an amazing "Senton Splash" I nailed on Fonz which is the reason for his sore shoulder to this day. I laid a 'real' "Pedigree" on him, but Fonz splashes me back good, I tried to get up but I believe I was done by then and blacked out after this I believe.
The only thing I remember is waking up really cold on the floor looking for my sleeping bag. (yes I bring my sleeping bag all the time to the hotels, I'll explain L8r)

Nick Recording and Not Picture Taking ~ I find this hilarious! LMFAO! Nick tryin' to take a picture of Fonz but finds out that it's actually on video mode. :P He prolly only swears with the word $h!t3 a couple times but the rest of the time it's "What the Fuh" "Son of a Gun", "Fri...g"

Fonz Locked on Balcony ~ Dom locks Fonz on the balcony and records it all. I'm passed out right beside the camera [off-screen] unaware to the whole thing until I'm shown the video. I have no idea what these guys are watching on t.v. sounds like some crazy $h!t3 tho. hehe.

L8rs

Niagara Trip...

2006-11-29T22:28:00.000-05:00

A great first leg for the mini vacation. Was waaaaaaaaaaaaay waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too drunk to even visit the business centre of the hotel to blog last night. I must try to ramble as quickly as possible as my memory is still sorta hazy and I'm rushed cos Blogger.com is planning an outtage in 1/2 an hour.
Had a really nice upgraded hotel suite @ the Sheraton (thx Dom!).
There was one of those nice fake fireplaces, the view was really nice, too bad it was only on the 3rd floor but was really interesting for the shower (will elaborate, *sheepish grin*). This was the best shower I've been in ~ evah! Was feelin' kinda kinky and had the window/door wide open to the outside world, hehe. Unless I attracted attention, no one would notice so no big deal. Still, was wondering if anybody was really looking, :P I'll post pics for this later, showing the t.v. in the bathroom, and the view to the falls which could be seen while in the shower. Quite Kewel.

Was piss drunk last night after having quite a long one. After checking in, went to eat sushi (very little), watched the Leafs lose to Boston (again) @ a Hooters while we ate wings with our coupons from the LCBO, came back to check the strip for a place called Sundowners which many people acclaim it to be the best, lost & won money several times over @ the Casino, but Fonz was the big winner that night so we had breakfast on him today ^_^ (thx Fonz!). Still have not eaten @ a Denny's before, don't know why, as many people tell me it's not big deal but "I just wanna Go!" Finally got my chance as we were sitting down looking at the menu. After ordering our drinks, we looked @ the prices and they were horrendous! We were not to be bamboozled 2 days in a row so we skipped out without anybody seeing us, alas, Denny's is gonna have to wait. Still wanted to see the waitress' face as she brought our drinks to an empty table LMFAO!

After the Casino last night, went back to the hotel to play some poker, and the drinking really started. Red wine was the choice of poison for the night, although I did pick up some of those pomegranate vodka drinks that usually cause you to puke, Nick had Rye and ginger (in which the ginger ale/coke cost us $8...yes, we got bamboozled @ a small little convenience store). In the middle of the poker, for some reason, we got crazy and started chugging the Canadian Club and doing Zanta push-ups. Then the wrestling started, and from there I blanked out.

Will try to sort out the pics and retrieve some lost memory and report soon. cya

***
Until then, I have 2 videos from the Jewel concert last week.

This one is her singing "Angel Standing By" ~ was my lullaby that I slept to for quite a long time. Just wanted to show the video of how the Casino Rama venue prolly was not the best choice for a solo acoustic act, but the 2 screens on the side help out a bit. Notice the camera trying to focus on the stage which is quite a distance from my seat.

Angel Standing By

This 2nd video is her Chime Bells song, which is her last encore song most of the time. She usually ends with this song, but I prefer it to be sung with her guitar. It usually ends up being more ... all » lively and an even bigger crowd please (yes, hard to believe that it can be better! hehe). Love how she plays the crowd like a fiddle when she rhetorically asks the crowd if she should go faster. Everyone knows she has every intention of going faster and showing off. Still some good show(woman)ship. ^_~

Chime Bells

Wii Were Pretty Drunk.

2006-11-25T18:04:00.000-05:00

Pre-weekend drinky drinky started right after work. So excited to start my vacation, I got out of the building in a hurry but realized that I had forgotten to leave the 'out of office' voicemail and e-mail messages, gah! Finally reached Joe Mama's and decided since Niagara Falls was gonna be the first leg of the week off, I'd start early with the wines and switch between the Shiraz, Cabernet, and Merlot ~ I still can't tell the real differences between them but, who cares. Found out from Keith& Heather (who sent out the invite) that we were gonna try to cheer up Martin because he just lost his close friend/cat just a couple nights earlier. {RIP Monty}

Before the live music hit the stage, the place was very laid back, a perfect place to relax after work ~ slightly dimmed lighting, very groovy music that doesn't drown out the conversations, and somehow all the conversations that are going on don't create that loud buzz in the air where everyone seems to be competing for AIR time to be heard ~ very nice acoustics in there.

Due to the recent events, conversation topics started with experiences of death and losses of loved ones, funeral directors, embalming, and considering whether any one of us could work in that sort of industry. It's good money, and there's always a demand for it, so why not?
It started to become a little of a downer, so we decided that after I took a break to the loo, that we'd change subjects.

Saw 2 great sets from the band, Keith said they were "Sugar", but I didn't think they were. We were too drunk to notice, so we'll never know now. Speaking of Wii, we changed venues and headed over to a fellow co-worker's place nearby where he had the new Nintendo system. This was initially our plan, but we wanted to hear the band complete it's third set. Before the band hit the stage though, Martin and Keith went for a smoke. Heather mentions that Martin likes the girl standing behind me and was gonna try to help him out a little. Now I know I'm not a master @ pickin' up girls in a bar/club, but I'm sure that this never works: Heather stands with her back to the lovely female and blatantly splashes all of Keith's remaining Stella on her, her friend, and their bags. I must of been hungry cos my mouth was opened so wide in astonishment my jaw was halfway to the floor. "Oh, I'm sorry", and the girl replies to Heather, "You should be!" LMFAO! Heather takes off outside, and I just headed to the washroom, disguising that I even knew her, although my drunken giggles all the way to the back blew my cover. While we convened outside, my first words were, "What the hell was that!" She explains that maybe that her little stunt could of sparked some conversation. I was in disbelief.

Anyways, back to the Wii part of the story. There was poker, drinks, music, an angry girlfriend of the host, and the Wii system. The first three need no explanation, I'll leave the angry girlfriend story alone as to not get in trouble, but that Wii system is awesome! It's very addictive and easy to play. I was pretty good at the tennis, and the baseball, but I totally sucked @ the boxing. Heather on the other hand is a champ @ that game ~watch out Keith, some crazy rage inside this girl I tell ya. I think she lost only once, and I lost every single time. I think I'm gonna get one, I wonder how it plays when you're not drunk though, hehe.

I spell "Kewel" like this b/c of "Jewel"

2006-11-24T02:35:00.000-05:00

Yup, always have spelled it with the second "e", just because of her name.
Saw, yet another great concert of Jewel's, just this evening and I think I might of got another friend hooked on her music, hehe. On the way to Orillia, (Casino Rama), wound up digging up all my CD's of "Angelfood" so that I could re-acquaint myself with the songs that I expected her to play. It was gonna be another one of her solo/acoustic concerts without a band which I find are really intimate and more entertaining. She often tells funny stories ~ which take up about a quarter of her time on stage ~ relating to the songs she's about to sing. She takes requests, even of really old songs that she probably hasn't played for years.

The above picture was taken at her concert 2 years ago @ Massey Hall, and if you notice, there's a white binder full of her lyrics so that she can quickly peruse through to refresh herself with her older songs. I think that's really cute and thoughtful of her for her fans. I brought my camera again, but I'm sure they won't be as good as this one (I've yet to look @ them on my comp.) as Casino Rama's venue is quite large and not intimate at all (Not like the I&I @ MuchMusic or Massey Hall) A little disappointed @ first due to our distance away from the stage, but at least they had 2 large screens where they shot the concert from 3 - 4 camera angles and edited with the fades, and blurs, like watching from home ~ actually pretty Kewel.

The setup was very similar to this, area rug, monitors, mic, guitar w/ stands, table with the binder, and a vase of beautiful flowers. A lovely sight to see just a single performer on such a big stage in a big venue. This audience was very polite and uber quiet during this performance. During all of her storytelling and soft arias, "she had us", another Kewel Jewel concert. ^_^

Ahoy Hoy

2006-11-24T02:03:00.000-05:00

Hate when this happens but I was certain that I'd posted this one a while ago. Guess that's what happens when doing stuff @ work you prolly shouldn't be doing.

~ It’s been really slow lately, so now I’ve conceded to composing a blog @ work. This past weekend was quite fun. Not really eventful, but when leaving the country, for some reason, it happens to be an event. When I was asked what I did for my weekend and I reply with, “I went to Pennsylvania to shop”, I get a response of wonderment and happiness towards me of how eventful my weekend must have been. I keep thinking that it was just shopping but the fact that I traveled a little distance to another country brings forth that reaction from people.

So, I knew Thanksgiving was big in the States but I wasn't aware of how big the shopping was. I went down with Keith, his sister, mother, and Heather. They go annually, and I held true to my word when I asked that next time they go, let me know, I'll tag along. Not expecting to buy much or anything at all I just wanted to tag along. So the only way I was gonna purchase anything was if I saw a 'steal' and not just a 'deal'. Wow, was I surprised, it wasn't even the Midnight Thanksgiving Door Crashers but there were definite steals. Went to this really kewel sports store that I was hoping to find my favourite NCAA basketball team "Kentucky Wildcats". This store had so many sweaters/tee's/caps/jerseys for almost every team. I say almost because for some reason there was nothing for the Wildcats of Kentucky ~ biggest disappointment of the trip since I don't go across the border often.
Managed to 'figuratively' steal:
(1) kewel pair of brown dress shoes, (pair? yes)
(2) 2 pairs of dress pants & 1 pair of khaki's (pair? NO, why are they considered a pair? b/c of the 2 pant legs? has anyone else questioned this?)
(3) a couple of those sweat-resistant sport shirts
(4) A whole bunch of Borat t-shirts for the gang,
(5) Best grey hoodie I've ever worn,
(6) Ohio State Buckeyes & West Virginia Mountaineers football jerseys
(7) Texas Longhorns cap
(8) Best pair of jeans I've ever put on and knew right away (you know)
&
(9) Kewelest Cowboy-style shirt I've always wanted with the yolk design

Okay, so the jeans and the Cowboy-style shirt weren't exactly steals, still great deals, cos I prolly woulda spent 70% more here.
Needless to say I was definitely over my limit to declare @ customs considering we didn't "visit" for more than 24 hours, so I just wore quite a few layers on the way back. Was a warm and cozy ride back.

Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends! ^_^
I had a turkey sandwich for you on my day off. hehe

Emm Gryner

2006-11-17T01:49:00.000-05:00

[aside]Ahhh, too bad I didn't bring my camera, out of all the times I didn't think of it. No matter...[finish aside] hehe

Well, lucky me, got a free pass from Mike to head over and see Emm Gryner perform @ the Mod Club tonight. I've really only known her more popular tunes she has and myself, haven't really bought any of her albums apart from the last one...(well sorry, I lied, Mike also got that for me for free ~ thanks a bunch man) This last album she has has some great tunes, one that even Bono put on his list of 7 songs he wished he'd written. Yes the song is good, but for me, many of the other songs hit home a little closer. Was a great show, definitely have to see her again as she can perform live very well. Charismatic, and easy on the eyes, but most importantly she sounds amazing live which not every artist/band can accomplish outside of a studio.
Jewel concert next week on my U.S. Thanksgiving day-off (woot!), also a great performer live. Funny, but tonight realized that Mike got into Emm during a tough time in his life, which coincided the time when I wasn't doing so well, and got hooked on Jewel's "Spirit" album.
---
While we waited for Emm to come out from backstage (shhh but Mike sorta knows her) there was this purrrty cute girl waitin' for her as well for some autographs. My attempt at some small chit chat yielded some information in which I realized she was a singer/songwriter as well, and will be performing next weekend here in Toronto. She says, if I dig Emm Gryner's sound/music that I'd probably like her stuff too ~ I'll probably end up going.

---
Flyerman was there last night too and he was cracking Mike and myself up. He was clearly drunk and was air-pianoing as Emm performed. At one point, she stated that her piano/accordian player was battling the flu and then 'Flyerman' pointed towards him and had his jacket light up. After the performance was done, while I was chatting it up with that purrrty girl, Mike was talking to him a bit and Flyerman was trying to pick a fight with some taller mohawked individual. If I heard Mike right, he said that he was gonna try to aggrevate some people and started effing off the tall guy.
Was an entertaining night to say the least.

$h!t3 was scary for a while there...

2006-11-17T01:48:00.000-05:00

Had a bit of a scare a few days ago too. Was posting a whole bunch of pics in the wee hours of the morning and something went awry. I don't know if I was posting too many pics too fast but I noticed one time, when I refreshed my picture page, nothing showed up. I thought I lost all the pictures ~ yeah, freaky stuff there. Anyways, sorta figured what was wrong but just started fresh with a new look and changed some new script I probably should not have tinkered with in the beginning. So the wedding pics are up and the night out with my partners in crime @ work.
New Picture Page

Jewel ne 1?

2006-11-15T12:59:00.000-05:00

Alright, so I have an extra ticket for Jewel next Thursday November 23 @ Casino Rama in Orillia. The show starts @ 8:00pm so if you've got a day off or get off from work early the Thursday from tomorrow ~ you are a likely candidate to come with me to the show. Her last album is really good, which consists of many of her unreleased songs she did when she was still a noob. They're revamped and sound really crisp now so it should be a good show. The Ticket is FREE!

Drrrrrrr Drrrrrrrr Yes Yes Yes!!!

2006-11-11T23:45:00.000-05:00

Sooo, forgot to mention I posted the pics from the CNE (yes including those Zanta pics...there ya go Pete!) Despite the blurriness of the idiot who was holding the camera at the time, Photoshop sorta saved the day...sorta.
Will be workin' on the few pics from yet another wedding and hopefully get to post some from the 'Drinky Drinky Dis Dursday'~ post work drinking event.
A good start to the weekend as a lot of the noobies came out, and everyone had a great time. Sushi on Friday, Leafs win tonight, and Andres is in town from Winnipeg. Looks like beer and wings @ the Wheat Wheaf tomorrow for the CFL Eastern Final ~ AAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOS!

Honey, I'm Home!

2006-11-02T01:00:00.000-05:00

I'll ease into this slowly, so I won't say much.
Big apologies to those waiting anxiously for those Quebec pics, especially to my fellow trip-mates (not a drug innuendo'ed 'made-up' word there) ~ Dom & Fonz. That trip was awesome, hope you guys enjoy the pics.
Pic Link

So, I gotta catch up on tons of blogs, so far, what I've read, everyone seemed to be busy too. So anyways, wanted to keep up with my "Year of the Walk & Talk" promise, and got more hard core into the fitness thing. Didn't get crazy like I wanted to in terms of the "American Psycho" program in the morning in regards to stretching and exercises, but I've done quite well. Next goal is to reach my high school 150 lbs again and then start some boxing classes.
Gonna need a shirt like Lou's cousin ~ "I hope you know how to sew, cuz I'm *ripped*" LMAO!

Saw on Gucci's blog some UV tattoos, uber kewel. I might re-consider and think of getting a tattoo now.

This looks really sick!

ne ways, ta taa! ^_^

GAH! Weekend Plans Awash.

2006-08-17T02:50:00.000-04:00

Still to this day, I can't believe how some people can bicker like children. As this coming weekend was supposed to be the camping trip filled with beer and barbecue ~ I was excited. Right after work, meet up with 2 friends to plan out the trip. During the conversation, some ill spoken words (perhaps remnants of the last camping trip arise), the intended words taken the wrong way...then poof ~ like peace talks in the middle east (I know, bad taste but I'm not in the mood to apologise), the talking ends. Someone leaves with a hot head, and I'm left with the another. GAH!

I'm bein' vague here intentionally, and you've probably noticed. Although they may not read this blog, I just don't wanna name names.

I've been a miracle worker before in reconciling differences and this was certainly do-able. I tried to save the weekend by workin' on one person to perhaps give a little. Then I call up the other to mediate and see if they're willing as well. For some reason, I can tell that even if I made it happen, the weekend fun wouldn't be a good one, so I gave up.

I took the Friday off, got a replacement for Sunday mass, and for no reason at all.

That's enough of the rant.

So I worked on the Quebec/Montreal pics and was so close to opening up that fine bottle of 'ice cider' picked up from that very recent trip, but, I calmed my nerves from the stresses of the evening and decided to save it for a more joyous time.

Got to posting the CN Tower pics Click Here.
I've got to work on my dark/night picture taking skills. They hardly come out as well as I hope.

Due to the recent events leading up to the "NO GO" weekend, I will be taking up that open invitation for NEXT weekend's visit to Canada's Wonderland.

Quote of the Night:
"I can't believe this, it's not like we're in highschool anymore"
frivilously thinking to myself ~ "funny, I'm sort of having flashbacks right now"

Currently Listening:

Itzhak Perlman | Il Postino

k...Nearly Caught Up!

2006-08-11T02:02:00.000-04:00

Okay, so now that I'm finally caught up @ work, I can finally try and catch up with posting pics.

I've posted the "Jeff Goin'Away Pics", "Christine/Jordan Wedding", & 3 pics from the Pony Races @ Woodbine. (In reverse order)

Here

Currently Listening:
Sigur Ros Hafssol
Montreux Jazz Live

Thirty L♥ve?

2006-08-10T01:56:00.000-04:00

Sooooooo, I'm nearly caught up with work, (hopefully by the end of the week) so now I can ease up a little and relax....wait not relax, have more time to do more stuff that makes me more tired ~ hehe.
Yeah, finally got to hit the gym after a long hiatus ~ just been too lazy to sweat out the tenseness of everyday life. It's not bad at all but a little R&R would do me good right now. I've nearly edited all the pictures, but wanted to finish off the old pictures from Christina's wedding, my CN Tower visit, and more 'Croc Rock' pics from Jeff's goin' away party...I like having the pictures in chronological order so I know the order in which events took place in my life.

Meanwhile, from Jeff's goin' away, I've got Charlene and Fran spiking his drink as he went to the loo. Spiking? how can you spike an alcoholic drink? I ono, that's the best way to describe what they were doing. Here's the vid.

Hehe, my title may be a little misleading. No, it's not about romance, but any tennis lovers might of got the reference.
I received a free ticket to see the Roger's Cup on Monday. Being it a Canadian Holiday, I could drive in to work with hardly any traffic and pay cheap parking. Right after work, I would have enough time to drive home, have a quick bite, and then head over to the venue @ York University in time for the first match. Because I've had the lengthy "Van Wilder"-like tenure there, my experience of finding free parking in the area was très facile. Unfortunately things don't always go according to plan.
I'm gettin' ready to leave work and I'm lookin' for my ticket which I kept hanging out of the inner pocket of my bag so I wouldn't forget... it's no longer there. I know that's where it was (100% positive). So I figure I either dropped it when I packed up in the morning so best case scenario it's in the house somewhere. I get home and look everywhere, as my mom notices my hasty search continuing unsuccessfully she asks what I'm looking for. Unknowingly, I answer vaguely, "I'm looking for a ticket." She asks what kind and I run upstairs and grab the first ticket I can see ~ my Sigur Ros ticket from their last concert and she says she hasn't seen anything like that. Had I told her specifically that it was for the Roger's Cup my anxiety would of eased up much sooner. As she begins walking outside the front door, "Oh, that!? I saw a piece of paper outside and I ripped it!" she shows me the 2 pieces she threw inside an empty garden pot. At first, I'm befuddled (yup, that's a real word) at how she could just discard it so easily. I surmise that if I had found something outside of the house too, I could easily just disregard the importance of 'said item'. Anyhoo, relief quickly blankets over my anxiety as I see a bar code on the ticket that is undamaged.
So I make it to my first live tennis event ever ~ surprisingly as I love watching it. There is a very different kind of energy when watching tennis when compared to other sports live as hockey, football, and baseball. I'm guessing it's because it's more intimate due to the fact that it's between 2 opponents and the crowd is super quiet when play is going on. It's quite enthralling. Heads bobbing side to side to the sound of "Pop"..."Pop"..."Pop" then a great passing shot for a winner and the crowd erupts. Although the first match I saw would of been a sleeper on t.v. it's still got that energy that keeps you interested. It was between American Jason Blake (5th in the world I think) and 17 year old Canadian Philip Bester. Although he pretty much got smoked, this 17 year old is gonna be something.
The second match was much closer. It was between Cyprian Marcos Baghdatis and Frenchman Julien Betteneau. Having seen Baghdatis with a large Greek following and some great matches in Wimbledon last year I thought he was gonna win. The crowd was really into the match as it was really close. Even though my seats were pretty good, I still wanted to and managed to sneak down to the "Lever 2000" sponsored seating. Still missing Quebec and Montreal, I started to root for the frenchman yelling, "Allez Benneteau". The night was filled with back and forth action, fist pumps and great crowd participation.

Next year the women play here, we definitely have to go. Then when the women switch back to the event in Montreal the year after, that's another excuse to perhaps visit 'La Belle Province'.

{ please excuse the present/past tense errors }
{ I'm not completely here. hehe ^_~ }

*** Quote of the Day ***
"I've got a bad case of the Baghditis and I'm gonna need some more Marcos"

Someone in between a game during a quiet break yells it out and gets a huge laughing response from the crowd. Great stuff! ^_^

4 Vids Ta Hold Ya'

2006-08-03T23:19:00.000-04:00

OMG, what a way to come back from a vacation, this week at work is CRAZY! The worst thing about gettin' away and relaxing for a week is the part where you get back. I've got to apologise to those lookin' forward to some pics and posts about the Quebec trip which I had promised, but just gettin' home after work, especially in this sauna like weather ~ I am just burned out.

I am still workin' on the pics as we speak, and drinkin' a little vino rouge to help rekindle the memories.

To hold you until I actually get the pics up, I have 4 videos from the trip.

1st quick video is a 10 second piece I like to call "Street Xing" hehe.
In Montreal and Quebec City, they have a countdown for the pedestrians so they know when the lights will change to amber and hence the (DO NOT WALK) sign... something I think we need here.
One thing I really like about Quebec is that there are no right turns on RED. I think it adds to the more laid back atmosphere I experience when I visit. Drivers know they can't turn red so they don't rush and try to coax walking pedestrians to hurry when crossing and the pedestrians in turn know exactly what pace to keep so they make it in time. I have been put on record that I will move to Montreal one day...you can probably put the Ville De Quebec on that list.

Anyways, long description for a short vid. I think the read, in this case is more informative than the watching.

(1) Street X-ing

_______________________________________

The second video is just me bein' silly and havin' fun with the whoopie cushion. For some reason I totally forgot I had this thing, but remembered it because my first whoopie cushion was purchased right there in that city, at one of the stores at the bottom of the stairs near the "Funiculaire" ~ I call it the diagonal elevator, but it's pretty much for those who are either too lazy, too hot, or just want to experience the ride. It takes you up and down the really stiff hills around The Chateau.

Talk about tangents on the stories for the vids eh? hehe.
Well, the real story is that Fonz was saying he was getting gas from drinking too much of the wine. Dom and I were dying. It probably wasn't the breakfast sausage, potatoes or the 2 eggs over-easy or as the french say...'retourner'? *flipping hand up and down repeatedly*.

(2) Fun w/ Whoopie Cushion

_______________________________________

The third and 4th video are similar and are poor due to the darkness. Nevertheless, I think it captured the moment and I'll always remember it, and can always click on the link below to remind me in case I forget. hogh hogh hogh *french laugh*
What I liked a lot were the street performers which added a great deal to the atmosphere of the night. This one is in the old part of Montreal near the docks where a couple were performing with a hoola hoop, some spinny spool thing with rope, and them performing a tango-like dance w/ acrobatics. Now the girl was cute, but the fact that she had classical dancing experience and spoke french, kicks her up 2 notches on the 10 scale. At the end people were putting their money in the pots to show their appreciation for the performance.

(3) Street Performers ~ Montreal

_______________________________________

This fourth video is pretty good despite the darkness, especially in the end.
This "Fire Girl" performer was spinning flames from wicks held by rope. Before she was setting up earlier when it was still twilight, I noticed she had black ashes on her legs which made her look dirty and "carnie". Not a bad thing, I just thought carnies never cleaned themselves, lol. Anyways...She was performing at the base of The Frontenac. The cars in the background coming towards us before the bend in the street, the song which filled the air, and obviously her fireballs which shwooshed in the wind were just sooooo kewel. At the end of the show a little boy came up to her and asked how she got her flame to light green. (For her finale, she lighted the top of an umbrella with some fantastic pyrotechnics which included a green flame). I loved her response, "It's Magic! Everything here is Magic!" The kid is gonna be delusional, but I loved her enthusiastic delivery ~ without a hint of guile as if it were really true, for a split second I could feel that it truly was magic. It was a great night walking in the streets.

(4)Fire Girl ~ Ville De Quebec

If you wanna see the lyrics and sing along to the song it's just a click away I forgot who exactly sang it, but Dom and Fonz know.

See Ya!

Beaucoup de Vin et Marche

2006-07-30T03:29:00.000-04:00

Yeah, lots of "Wine and Walking". Perhaps that's why this euro lifestyle in Quebec city warrants so many fit and fine looking women. I even told Dom that I think I'm gonna cry when we leave ~ I do believe I had a little moisture in the eye as we left the picturesque city. It was even better than I could remember it from my last visit many many years ago. Pics to prove it once I get another nap and then get the laundry going.

I think that I had gotten to depend on those energy drinks to help me drive alertly and safely to our destinations. May I recommend The "RockStar Diet Drink" if you need to stay alert as the flavour is much better than Red Bull and it doesn't give you that "wired" "headachy" kind of feeling. Fonz had some of those drinks too but I don't think we really needed them. The extra 2-3 hours from Montreal to Quebec City were not as much a problem as I had thought it would be.

Now in terms of the walking....WOW, even though I didn't want to admit it, I was surprised at how steep the hills were. I knew it was hilly but I was still shocked. The good thing and bad thing of having your hotel close to the sites is that everything is within walking distance and that ...EVERYTHING is within walking distance. Apart from that 18 Poulet McCroquet evening, this was the healthiest vacation I've had. Again, all the walking and the wine, plus the "Chez Cora" breakfasts which consists of blueberry and raspberry crêpes, fruits, and jus de pamplemousse. One funny story was in one of the breakfast places where Dom and I both ordered grapefruit juice in french. Fonz had already blown our cover (Dom and I always try to get away with speaking french and not having the waiters/waitresses figure that we don't and they start to speak english to us) when the waiter asked us in french if we wanted menus ~ Fonz replies, "Yes please!" Perhaps the easiest response anybody could give in french is "Yes", and he blows it~ lol. At least he got it right when he asked what flavour an ice cream was at that gelato place in Old Quebec City ~ pointing towards what looked like chocolate and... "Qu'est-ce que c'est?". The girl behind the counter, "chocolate". Anyways, back to the waiter in the breakfast place ~ both Dom and I ordered the pamplemousse and Fonz asks, "The same!" as the waiter starts walking away, "orange juice" Dom and I were dying! LMAO!

Anyways, sorry, I need to rest...need to buy a card as right now, am just getting ready for a nap as I also have a wedding reception to make this evening.

Promise to post a more in-depth experience of the trip later.

Bon Soiree!

All Bin is Good.

2006-07-28T01:25:00.000-04:00

So here we are in Quebec City now at our second "Quatre Points" (as Ièd like to call our Four Points, lol. We stayed at another "Quatre Points" in Montreal which was a blast, and we will be stopping by on our way back home Saturday. I think weève already raised some alarms here of our presence as I was coming back up with a bottle of wine from the restaurant (read story below) A hotel worker was (pretending I believe) to clean our door. I stood behind him and he looked up and asked, "Votre chambre Monsieur?" He looked a little surpised as I replied, "Oui" I think he was just eavesdropping because before I could even open the door, I could hear Dom and Fonz wrestling inside. I look in and Dom has Fonz in a chokehold as heès screaming like a girl. It doesnèt look good, one guy cominè up with a bottle of wine and two other guys wrestling, lol.

I guess Ièll keep the topic of this post about wine since thatès all weève been drinking here. (Note, the stoopid apostrophe key doesnèt type in apostrophes... just eès with the lèaccent grave) AHHHH, there it is...*SHIFT* *COMMA* (').

Our first experience with our red wine was last night in Montreal where we were just checking out the older part of the city. The beautiful and antiquated region of city with cobble stone streets and the old type of street lights. Will prove with some pictures (despite not taking enough pictures as of yet). Very much like Quebec City here, the horse and carriage rides just add so much more to the Aura.
Even got to pass by the Hotel Le St. James a fellow myspacer stayed at recently - "Fancy Shmancy".
Fonz was gettin' really tired with all the walking so just stopped by a patio bar for a drinky poo. We ordered a bottle Cabernet Sauvignon. As the our waitress (with the cute pigtails) finished uncorking the bottle, she asked who was going to taste it. Dom and I both just looked at Fonz and he obliged. She poured about a quarter of the glass which was more than enough for probably two gulps. It was hilarious - He drank it down in less than a second as if it were a shot. Even the waitress could't contain her laughter. In Fonz fashion, "Yeah, pretty good!"
Dom was suggesting the next time we get him to test out the wine, that he would spit it out and say, "C'est Terriblè!" "Tabernac" "Degutant" (whatever that means if it really is a french word - He thinks it means ugly." Also, a few trips back, we got Fonz to believe that Tabernac meant sorry, but we think it actually means F#$k Off. The Sauvignon was very cleansing to the palatte and had a nice sweetness that was left in the mouth (my extent of describing good wine - I won't kid anyone)

Right now, we're polishing off the nice bottle of Bin we purchased at an Irving in "Trois Rivières". This stuff is awesome too, although we're trying to figure out what year it is. All we can see on the bottle is 76 (which I highly doubt it is) and an est. 18 60 something. I had to call room service and the restaurant for a cork screw. Brought the bottle down and showed the head bartender. He looked at it and I asked if it was any good. He looked and said, "Bin!?, All Bin is Good!" It tastes awesome although, I'll have to tell you that an Irving is a gas station and that the bottle only cost $12.99. C'est Bon!

Currently Drinking: Bin '76 a la Irving Trois Rivières
"Specialè Rèserve" LMAO!

"It's Pretty High" ~ Fonz

2006-07-26T01:31:00.000-04:00

Alright, so I should really be packing and getting some rest, but it's just too darn hard to eliminate bad habits. It's probably just the anxiousness for the long trip to Montreal & Quebec City in the morning. Ahhhh, reminds me, gotta pack my swim trunks and extra pair of contacts (just in case). A lot of things I should have remembered today. Forgot to get a thank you gift to "K" for gettin' Fonz and myself up to the CN Tower this evening. Free passes are always sweet. Was thinking I would of got some Lindt or Godiva chocolates, or even a bottle of Australian Shiraz. Gotta remind myself to do that when I get back or perhaps get some ice wine from Montreal.
Anyways, quote of the night of Fonz explaining his experience to Keith after the visit to 'The Tower' ~ "Yeah, it's pretty high". It's just so typical of him that it has gone beyond funny to just 'a groaner'. Honestly, I was more happy and surprised at my experience up in the Tower, being it my first time. I always had that thing where I could say, "I've lived here almost all my life and I still haven't been up there." The glass floor is definitely the highlight. Coincidence how Fonz pointed out "Honest Ed's" from up there since it was Ed Mirvish' birthday just this past weekend.
Fonz: "Look, there's Honest Ed's".....
Me: "STFU!"

So, will put up a somewhat empty promise of posting some pics of the Tower later, when I get to see 'em and find out if Photoshop can fix some of the darker ones. It's tough to fit the Skydome and someone's head in the same frame while photocapping down towards the glass floor. Hopefully they turn out alright. Right now, just have to empty out the memory card for this trip ahead.
So, now I have a semi-justifiable reason for not posting in a little while although it still isn't hard to find a computer with internet access where we're going.

C'est Fini.

^_^

23 ~ 3 ~ 18

2006-07-14T03:27:00.000-04:00

The three numbers in an order only I kept to myself for so many years. Wow, it's just a simple combination lock, yet I feel I've lost something. It must have been that rollerblading with Kat and then getting caught in a flash downpour of rain. It was amazing, skating by Lakeshore ~ about 15-20 minutes away from Keith and Heather's new place by the Skydome (NOW aka as the "Roger's Centre") I was looking at the lake and the ominous waves reminded me of the time when Martin and I were caught on that Lake that nearly drowned him. I remember I remarked, "Kat, it looks like it's gonna rain, we should probably head back". Not long after that, several heavy drops started to patter on the boardwalk.... then PHOOOSH! In a matter of 10 seconds, I felt as if someone had doused us with a bucket of water.
>>
I knew a few days back when I was at the gym and the lock was giving me issues that it was coming near to the end of its life. Today, it was even harder to remove it as it hung from my knapsack. I didn't want to gamble on having it lock my stuff in the locker. I trusted my fellow gym patrons that my stuff would be safe without a lock, especially since it was near midnight and the place was nearly empty.
Anyhoo, after having that combo lock since highschool when we used to go to the Y, I'll probably still remember that number for the rest of my life.
Having to purchase a new one isn't the problem, it's remembering the new one.

Thx for reading the Lament of my Lock. lol
Oh, for those of you who may care...Andres is in town from Winnipeg for a week! Rest up, he'll be here Friday midnight.

Currently Watching:
Post Modern Prometheus

X-Files | Season Five

2 Much Fun!

2006-07-07T01:46:00.000-04:00

Hmmm, so the short sabbatical from the online world can be blamed on the weather and the good times enjoyed recently. Sure, I could of made it onto my computer which always beckons me after dark but I have just been too tired to even indulge this habitual drug which has always been my second life. I guess I'd first blame the stoopid "Running the RED Light" ticket I wrongly received from a cop a few weeks back. (Keepin' it Short) ~ Honestly, it was an amber light, and the cop pulls me over, he doesn't want to argue as I insist it was not red. While he's writing my ticket, another unmarked police cruiser pulls up beside him, (probably asks what's goin' on) and then it leaves while it runs the red itself. The weird thing is that when the officer comes back to give my ticket, his partner on the passenger side says, "You should fight this" The officer giving me the ticket tells me all my options including, "...and by all means, if you want to ~ you should take this to court and fight it, more power to you". Obviously this cop doesn't intend to appear in court so I guess I'll be alright. Problem is, is that I wasted a lunch hour to go make my appointment to appear in court, and a year or so from now, I'm gonna have to waste a day off to actually fight it.
Oh wells, I just let it slide and didn't want it to bother me, so I didn't bother bloggin' that. [too bad i just did - lol]

On another note, I say, "Let the Italians have their World Cup!"

Now I'm tired, and will have to write about my 4th of July, Christina's wedding, and some Montreal trip plans another day.

Currently Listening:
"Good Morning Joan"

The Cardigans | Super Extra Gravity

Phew! I Needed That!

2006-06-17T02:06:00.000-04:00

Wow, what a week. I just got up after having some well needed sleep. Last night, posted about 75 new pics from .... Last Night. Shaun from work is leaving us and moving to Australia to embark on a new journey. He asked some girl to marry him and she actually said yes... hehe. Funny how we actually had 2 going away parties at Crocodile Rock. One last week and then yesterday. The great patio is a perfect place to unwind after work, and the cheap drinks and 1/2 price appetizers aren't too shabby either.
Unlike last week, I couldn't get the new recruits to bet me finishing the Rubik's cube under certain time limits and wagering purchasing beer rounds. I guess they learned the hard way last week, lol.
Thank God that work was slow today cuz I was dazed and drowzy right after lunch. Surprisingly with me having to work on the pics until 5:30am, I was still one of the more chipper and energetic ones at work. Everyone else seemed out of it. Adrenaline and pineapple Baby! That's all I was eating last night in the wee early hours as I sorted out the 120 pics taken and then edited the 70+ posted. T'was my gift to Shaun so everyone could enjoy the goin' away party memories.
Good Luck dood!

Currently Listening:
Radiohead | Videotape

6/04/2006 Boston

I'm the Bad Guy?!

2006-06-13T21:14:00.000-04:00

So this morning on the bus, I have a somewhat smelly large woman sit beside me. It would've been obvious if I just got up and stood or sat somewhere else. I was gonna do it regardless but I was gonna try to be a nice guy and find an opportunity to make it less conspicuous. At the next stop, a woman gets on the bus, now she wasn't elderly or anything and would of been fine standing on the bus for the remainder of the trip to the station.
Now did I do her a favour by offering my seat or just saving my @$$ from a putrid situation? The courteous deed eclipsed by the selfish preservation of ones' nose and self? Do they cancel each other out? Even so, it was done to not offend the first woman. I'm not the bad guy, point your fingers elsewhere.

Memoriable [sp?] Day!

2006-05-31T01:43:00.000-04:00

Hehe, sorry to say but I was glad that it wasn't me trying to struggle in to work Monday morning. As I get the US holidays, my Memorial Day was the icing on the cake to a great long weekend. Not only did I get to sleep in on a Monday, but I missed the surprised TTC strike that hampered the morning commute for thousands of people.
Sadly, I turned down an invitation/plan to 'head down to Niagara Falls just for the heck of it' (sorry Pete). I already had a full day planned ahead of me. I used my rare weekday off to tie up some things I had been putting off for a while:
~ optometrist (for long overdue eye exam)
~ oil change (for the car of course)
~ appointment @ bank (with some financial advisor Re: RSP's)

...and trying to get these done before 2pm in the afternoon so I can still enjoy something in the afternoon/evening. The new optometrist was a very cute doctor, the mechanic, not so cute. The financial advisor ~ wow! Only problem with that is that starting a relationship where the other party knows your entire financial situation puts you at a disadvantage right off the bat (no matter how financially stable or unstable you may be) hehe.

Shortly after the deeds were done, not even 5 steps out of the bank I received a call from Lou. I already knew what it was for. Before he asked me about 'beach volleyball' ~ "I'm There!" I interrupted him.
Now unless you want a third arm or a new tail, it's advisable not to dip into Lake Ontario, however, the beach volleyball @ Kew Beach/Ashbridges Bay is primo. It has been a while since I've played there so I totally forgot how you can lose about 5 pounds from just baking in the sun and playing, but gain 2 pounds of sand in the pockets when getting home.

It was fun Times.

-----------------------
Weird thing today I saw as I got off the subway. A woman who was 'supposedly' reading the free METRO newspaper got off ahead of me and then whilst taking a good look @ the three disposal bins ~
[GARBAGE]
[RECYCLE/CANS,BOTTLES]
[RECYCLE/PAPER]
~ she throws her paper in the one labelled GARBAGE. ????
Hmmmmmm... Sad because she's illiterate or stooooopid?
-----------------------

*** Link of the Day ***
Finally decided which glasses I'm gonna get and went with the "IC! Berlin's"
This website is pretty cool but the music is annoying.
The first 2 links under PROTOTYPE show you what these babies can do and how I probably will lose these glasses before I can break 'em. The TRYOUT link is just fun.

http://www.ic-berlin.de/

Today watched:
The Young & The Restless...

WHY?...cuz Jewel performed 2 songs (from her new album I presume as I haven't heard these songs before). They sounded great, and good to hear they're not at all like her last 'dance album' I boycotted. She's Back!

Things are Fine and Dandy

2006-05-24T00:26:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I've BUI'd (Blogged Under the Influence). So here's my tri-annual BUI ~~~ Things are fine and dandy right now...3 glasses of wine and I'm in that state where I'm just super mellow. Too bad being in this state can't be permanent, perhaps it's a good thing though ~ Slight slurring and incoherancy on the job won't get you far in this life.

Time today at work flew by so quickly. It's that busy kind of work but not hectic and stressful at all ~ very productive. By the time I knew it lunch had come and then by afternoon my scheduled A$$ whoopin' of Mike, and then Nick @ the foosball table came by to help break the day in to 3 parts. Walked downtown for lunch alone to enjoy the semi mild weather today and happened to get a free "new" 1L bottle of Evian @ Edge 102. [Don't know why I put that in but it's staying in the blog now]
>>>
Went straight from work to the Sports Cafe to enjoy the playoff game, and what a game it was. All the Great games consist of the same ingredients as life ~ Ups and Downs, but in the end you're glad you were there to experience the ride. The game had it all, fights to start it off, a 4 goal lead deplete to 1, and an in the end, Oiler win!
My pool @ work is shot but it doesn't matter anymore. Buffalo / Oiler Final... I'm THERE!

nite nite!

*** Link of the Day ***
Only "Next Gen" Trekkies would appreciate it but I think it's hilarious...
Some guy posing as Jean Luc Picard and blogging... LMAO!

http://jlpicard.blogspot.com/2006/05/laundry-breakdown.html

What A Weekend!

2006-05-16T19:23:00.000-04:00

Wow, so that weekend was soooooo good, I couldn't post about it until today. I would of done it sooner @ work as it's been dead lately but for some reason, they block the blogger and myspace dot com sites??? I wonder why... hehe

Saturday was an action packed day as I attended my uncle's birthday and then watched the Sigur Ros concert.

It was nice seeing family (ie. cousins, neices, nephews, aunts...etc...) as I don't get to see them as often as I would like to. Found out one cousins is now a real-estate agent, so if anyone is lookin' to buy or sell, let me know. In the rush to get to the concert and get my dad away from the piano who was singing with all the older relatives, I left my camera there. I'm not sure if I really would of taken it to the concert, as the last time I really only had 3-4 good pics out of 6. I was definitely excited to meet up with a fellow myspacer after the show as well. Now I can answer differently on that quiz goin' around: "Have you ever met a person from myspace in person?" YES!
Met up with Chris and Brian before the show who also had tickets. Had a couple drinks at Mr. Greenjeans to mellow out a little and prepare for the beautiful ambient music we were about to hear. It's a tough balance because you don't wanna lay back too much and fall asleep in the middle of it.
Luckily I went early enough to snag the debut album of Amina ~ the opening and supporting act to Sigur Ros. They pretty much had the same set as last September but I was glad to hear their cute bell song and those two tiddies with the SAW I thought that blonde girl 'cuted out' the crowd once again as she said in her best english, "...and please have a look at some beautiful hand made t-shirts in the lobby.." and then giggle as she walked away.
What else can I say about Sigur Ros except, "...amazing, moving, OMG!, awe-inspiring,... etc...etc...) My only disappointment was that they didn't give us (Toronto) another chance to redeem ourselves and play 'Vidrar Vel Til Loftarasa'. Last time, they froze for about 15 seconds in the middle of the song [no movement and no sound, as if someone pressed the pause button]. As I mentioned in that blog a while back, one stoopid idiot yelled out in the middle of their moment. Alas, they didn't play it. I believe this crowd would of pulled it off for them as they did play 2 songs that required complete audience captivation. That one song "Heysatan" where there were 2 bulbs of light that brightened and diminished along with the volume their instruments and Jonsi' singing ~ the whole audience was truly captivated. It was awesome having the left side balcony seat this time as I was right beside a pole so I had lots of leg room, but the best part was their last song, "Untitled #8 (), aka Popplagio" This song truly kicks @$$, they had put the 'silhouette screen' up again [which separated the crowd from the band but sets up beautiful haunting silhouettes of the band] and during that really intense part where the lights are flashing and images on that screen are going about 100 km/h, I started to feel as if I was gonna explode, just an amazing feeling. Because of my left side vantage point, I could see behind the screen, Amina going NUTS! on their violin bows for those 5 minutes of pure ecstasy. Awesome Awesome Show!

Will tell about yesterday later tonight hopefully. I found out that my favourite sushi restaurant "New Generation" is back up and running after the renovation due to a fire [yeah, go figure, mostly uncooked food on the menu and they have a fire], so I am off for some sushi pizza! woot!

bbl

Currently listening:
Vidrar vel til Loftarasa | Agaetis Byrjun

Without ME, It's Just "AWESO"

2006-05-08T01:31:00.000-04:00

Am I AWESOME or what? Okay, maybe not that awesome but at least a little.
Am feeling pretty proud right now [don't know why cuz I don't think I really accomplished anything but I think I've learned a great deal in the last 15 mins].

So I'm adding comments to people's blogs and in the middle of one of them, my monitor conks out again. On another browser window I had tabs for Best Buy, Futureshop, TigerDirect.ca and a few other online sites related to LCD monitors. Having spent some of my Sunday afternoon browsing the actual stores looking around taking note of models and prices, I was at the end of my rope. How could I compare prices and features in the comfort of my own home when the very thing I'm looking to purchase and replace is a monitor ~ one that I need to use and isn't functioning properly.

*** Pete... now isn't THAT ironic? *** (sorry, inside joke)
I don't know how Alanis Morissette would of been able to put that into lyrics though. hehe. Rain on your wedding day or 2000 spoons when you want a knife is just unfortunate, not ironic. This is.
**************************************
For the past week I had to either shut off the monitor and leave it for 10-15 mins., or bang on the screen really hard @ the risk of slitting my wrist from some broken glass. Tonight I decided to have a 3rd option ~ takin' out my trusty butter knife, and mini screw driver set and open up the darn old thing. Having had a little success in the past with fixing my electronic devices, I was feeling a little lucky. I haven't opened up a monitor before so when I saw the innards of this old beast I was pleasantly surprised. Really nothing much to it but transistors, wires and screws. Not really knowing what to do though I just fiddled with some knobs at the back of the tube, and tightened every single screw I could see. I was expecting to see tons of dust too, but I guess in the past few years I have kept my computer dust free successfully. Upon closing it up and plugging it back in ~ Voila! It worked again but........ EVERYTHING WAS BLURRY! GAH! I knew those white plastic screws that were super loose were there for a reason. After opening up the monitor one last time and fiddling with those screws whilst the thing was still plugged in, I managed to recover some clarity. It's not super clear as there's a yellowish shadow outlined around every character and .jpg but hey, I AM typing this right? ...logically I hope.
So, anyways I fixed the problem, temporarily I'm sure, but at least I finished that blog comment and posted another one of my own.

Oh yeah... It's still a toss-up between the Sony and the Samsung. The Samsung's on Sale ^_^

OMG How is it Possible?

2006-05-06T10:13:00.000-04:00

I swear, those Radiohead tickets probably sold out in less than 10 seconds. "How is it possible?" Two shows available, a super quick internet connection and still..."all gone". At least the Sigur Ros concert's next week, and I guess there's always scalpers but, 'whatever'.
I swear, from the time when the tickets became available @ 10a (after constantly refreshing) to the time when "CrapMaster" finally finished searching for available seats (which took about 2-3 seconds) I would guess that only 8-9 seconds had elapsed in total. I was sure I was home free.
Did I over-analyze and second guess myself? I was going for the 1st show (Wednesday) thinking that everyone else is thinking their best chances of getting tix would be for the 2nd show (Thursday~ [reading audience: "obviously Manny, do you think we're stoopid, Thursday is after Wednesday no!?!?"]) Hmmm, maybe everyone was thinking the same thing. Maybe I should have gone for the 2nd show (Thursday...hehe)....I ono
That's it! I'm done! GAH!

Food Show Videos

2006-05-02T18:50:00.000-04:00

Well I got the videos up and running.

This is Fonz being Fonz @ the Folger's presentation

and

This is the vid of the "Veggie Savages"

Now wasn't last night's Oiler game awesome? A bit sad on different levels: Could've been Yzerman's last game, Had Datsyuk and Shanahan in my pool @ work, and I won't be hearing the Edmonton fans chanting "Manny! Manny!" ne more. Oh wells.

Food Show

2006-05-01T02:06:00.000-04:00

Gah! I hate when I'm posting a blog and then suddenly the browser conks out on me. I had this post almost done and then boom! [Not Responding] Now it's not going to be the same. grrrrrrr
----------------------
Lately the weekends have come and gone so quickly ~ This is a good thing though. Saturday, I helped a friend move "literally" a 4 minute walk away from his 'now' prior place. This was definitely the easiest move I've ever been a part of. The only little set back was in the morning when I drove to the Discount truck rental and I decided to take the Gardiner Expressway ~ which was closed. For a Saturday morning which probably only has 10% the volume of a regular weekday morning, it still was pretty jammed on Lakeshore Blvd. (the alternate route). Now I've gotta think the government has got to be crazy when they're talking about closing down the Gardiner without having an alternate route in place. The city's gonna be in total disarray if this happens... >>>

Anyways..

So I finally pick up the cargo van which was much more easier to drive than that 26 foot U-Haul I drove the first time James moved. I only used up 12 Kms and didn't even have to fill it up with gas. Easily finished moving before 1pm and just had some pizza and beers while we enjoyed the playoff hockey games and James' new amazing view of the Toronto Skyline [note: Not Actual View ~ his view is with the lake in the background ~ obviously.]
Now Sunday was an even greater time as Fonz, Pete, and myself went to the Food Show. So many kinds of samples: hot sauce dips, pita bread & fillers, all kinds of soy based products ie. '1/2 soy & 1/2 beef burgers, tofu made yogurts and ice creams, antioxidant drinks like acai, pomegranate and blueberry juice. I could go on and on but what's the point? I think you've got it ~ yup, tons of samples. Even the 'eye candy' was in ample supply ~ no sampling though ~ hehe. [note: previous pic is not an actual "Food Show Booth Babe"] Although there were many girls/women giving out food and others just meandering about like us just taking in the free food. I must have passed by the Nestle chocolate milk display 10 times, (no exagerration).

People are like savages there though. If it's free, people will take anything. There was a display of vegetables at an unattended vending lot. I first saw one lady stuff a bunch of cauliflower in her bag and then spread the news to other people. Suddenly a swarm of people came and started ransacking the place. I got about 30 seconds of footage before my batteries unfortunately ran out. Unfortunate because not long after that, one of the vendors came back in dismay and started shouting, "What's going on here!?!, what are you people doing!?!? you're not supposed to take that!?!?!" It was hilarious, like a flock of seagulls, they dispersed with tomatoes
in their hands and smiles on the faces. One old lady was left there still trying to grasp at a zucchini slightly out of reach when the vendor stood behind her with his hands on his hips in shock. Other onlookers were laughing their asses off like we were. One of the other venders emerged from beneath the carnage as they left and she had the most amazing look of shock on her face ~ it read "CAN YOU BELIEVE THESE PEOPLE!" Now this was awesome but this was not the highlight of the day.... yes! it gets better.

The highlight of the day is definitley Fonz's participation in the "Folger's" presentation. Fonz got pointed out in the crowd even though we were situated in the back. His constant aptitude to have the attention set on him got him a spot on "Folger's Idol". When the Folger's lady pointed towards Fonz, a guy sitting about 4 rows up thought he was getting called up to the stage as well. So both of them ended up on stage and singing the Folger's Jingle on the microphone. Fonz went first and was a star as usual with his funny comments, arm gestures and body movements [video will be up ASAP]. The second guy didn't even know the song and struggled, but this added so much more comedic volume to the video ~ I promise you will not be disappointed. ^_^

I only posted 2 noteworthy pics of that day. HERE

Currently Playing:

Kingdom Hearts II

Manny! Manny! Manny!

2006-04-26T02:50:00.000-04:00

I am loving these playoff games...especially the overtime games where the Oiler fans are chanting my name..."MANNY MANNY MANNY!" Only problem is that it's taking away from my late night workouts.

Well, today in the morning I get a message from the "church secretary" asking me if I would be available to play for the next three Saturday masses. I guess the regular choir is unavailable for some reason. I call and left a message when I got to work: I won't be able to do this Saturday (helping a friend move), I'll be available for the 2nd Saturday (May 6th), but I won't be able to go for the 3rd Saturday (Sigur Ros concert ~ woot!)
ffw>>>>
I get home and when I get out of the subway, there's another message in my voicemail. "Apparantly" they forgot to tell me that they would be paying me for each of the three Saturdays. Did they think that would change my mind? hmmmmmm???

Currently Listening To:

Staralfur

Sigur Rós | Ágætis Byrjun

This is what I get for [The "P" Word]

2006-04-20T01:01:00.000-04:00

Okay, so my birthday has long since passed for nearly 3 weeks now. So "Why the delay for the pics?" you ask? The "P" Word.
Then finally when I decide it's time to edit, and then post the pics my monitor gives me problems. Anyhoo, I might have fixed the problem (I say 'might' because it may be temporary)

Luckily I got some good time tonight to do what I have been meaning to do.
Not like anyone cares now but here are the pics.

http://www.mannypics.blogspot.com/

L8rs

Be Wary What You Wish For

2006-04-05T00:16:00.000-04:00

Phew! It has been a very hectic past few days. With my birthday, losing an hour, and also the new responsibilities @ work.

The birthday was awesome, the night hadn't started yet and it was a 7-0 win for the Leafs. I wish it was my birthday every day. lol
I had such a great time, and it looked to me that everyone else did as well. The Orbit room had kewel tunes and a nice atmosphere that I just ate up. Unfortunately in the beginning, because the place is super small everyone was really crammed in tight with hardly any room to move around. The trumpeter had to even stand on the side of the stage, I thought this was kewel tho. The good thing I noticed was that some new and old friends were mingling with eachother because of the close state of affairs we were in. hehe.

The big mission for me that night was not only making sure everyone was having a good time, my fantabulous idea of the suggestion/critique box was priority number 2. I believe that too was a great success ~ I think I received a submission from everyone that attended and even some multiple ones from some close friends. (LOL, I didn't ask for multiples, just one......thx guys, lol, I ask for one piece of paper and one critique, and I get 3 or 4)
Even though the idea was not to figure out which suggestions belonged to whom, it was sort of obvious to me who wrote what.
It prolly wasn't a great idea to read them as soon as I got home in my inebriated state because some of them really hit home. I know I asked for everyone not to hold back, but actually reading what people think of you in the more negative frame can really put you in your place.

Thanks guys, I will really keep all of these in mind, and hopefully I can follow them up. As for those that chickened out and kept with the positive remarks, Boo-URNS, I didn't ask for that. I know you mean well...but come on. ^_^

Having lost an hour that night, I already decided once I got home that I wasn't gonna make it into mass that morning. I didn't.

For the past week I have been training with a collegue who has just left us on Monday. I have stepped up to the plate and am now doing something totally different from what I've been doing for the past several months. ~What have I done?~ I was so comfortable and now I'm a fish out of water again. Well, I figure change is good and I don't want to be a person of complacency. I've just got learn as much as I can to broaden my prospects ~ convince myself that 'change is good'.

Time has now become my friend and enemy. I've got to make the best of it when I have it, and steal from it when I can.

Pictures from the weekend will be up as soon as I have the time.

Currently Listening:
Flugufrelsarinn

Ágætis Byrjun | Sigur Ros

Something Different.

2006-03-26T04:36:00.000-05:00

I had one of those eye opening nights tonight. While watching the Leafs lose, some NCAA basketball, and playing poker with some old friends from waaaaaay back we got to talking about the old times. Usually these conversations consist of, "do you remember this person?" or "Do you remember the time when...?", and "you know who I saw last week?"
The topic of a possible highschool reunion being set up by someone came up and most of us started saying how much they really didn't like someone and a whole bunch of other negative things to detract from the idea of a reunion happening at all. Of course with my new outlook on life this year of "Walk The Talk" seeing a reunion happen sounded like ALL talk anyways. Okay I'm going off on a tangent a little there... The point I'm trying to make is that I pointed out that people change, and we were really kids then. "They've got kids and are married"

I was just thinking that..."Sure we've gone our separate ways somewhat (not seeing eachother often anymore) but we really haven't changed that much" Gosh, I'm nearly 29 and I think I've got to get a move on. Sure, everyone says they're gonna do something about it but 'gosh darn tootin' I'm gonna do something about it this time. After all, it's the year of "Walk the Talk" for me right?

Okay so we're gonna try something different this year. Again, no gifts, just bring yourselves. Being inspired by tonight's conversation and a blog of a blog of a blog which I think now constitutes a chain-blog, or even better... a web(web)blog. lol
I'm not asking for your top 20 hot girl/guys this year. The only gift you have to bring is a piece of paper and written with something that you think I can improve upon for myself. It can be anything from "You're too shallow" "Too cocky" "You should speak up more" "You use too much gel" "You don't shower or shave often enuff" lol. Honestly write what you think.

Be Honest.

For those that have distinct and familiar penmanship... type it out if you wanna be anonymous. I'll bring a shoe/tissue box and you can put it in there when I'm not looking or if you've gotten me too drunk to notice (I will not be drinking much this year).

I'll read them on my own and I will look at the suggestions and critiques with an open mind. I will love you for them ^_^

'k so the
(tentative~gotta ask if there's a special event & if I can reserve 10+ ppl)
location is:
The Orbit Room
580A College St. (Upstairs)
T Dot (hehe, u can't put that in my suggestion box)
(416)535-0613

I've asked a few people about this place and I've heard some good things.
Good times I hear. If this place doesn't work out, we're in a good area that we can move elsewhere close by.

kudos to ringgirl, that guy Duncan, and Gucci for widening my already widened eyes this night. ^_^

Currently listening:
Elizabethtown Soundtrack
By Various Artists
Release date: 13 September, 2005

Uber Belated Pics

2006-03-21T02:00:00.000-05:00

Gosh!, finally managed to fix the software glitch for my picture upload program. I don't know how the settings got changed. What hassles. Ne ways, I finally posted up the pics from St. Patty's Day, and also a few from Betty's Birthday @ J.J. Mugs. --> HERE <--

This reminds me, I gotta tell people what I wanna do for my birthday soon to at least give 1 week's notice. Hmmmmm, I honestly do not know where, or what to do. Go to the same old "dive" of a place like Joe Mercury's cuz karaoke's always fun? or a place like J.J. Mugs with semi-good food and a dance floor for evening fun and exercise? I need suggestions people.

Currently Watching:
Amina ~ Opening Act for Sigur Ros

Their sound/music is sooooo kewel!

What Happened Last Night?

2006-03-18T14:23:00.000-05:00

Wow, amazingly enough I didn't wake up with a hangover ~ "St. Patrick's Pandemonium", "Beer - Bedlam", "Disorderly - Drinking" ~ I ono, you pick one, they would all fit as another title to this posting. It was State Streetalicious @ work yesterday and I think most people enjoyed my "microwave melted" Rice Krispy® Squares, I haven't made those in ages and only found out 2 nights ago that you could actually make 'em without turning on the stove. I only had a granola bar for breakfast, vegetable soup, a buttered roll, 2 lemon cookies, and a chocolate muffin for lunch. Then the drinking began right after work. I have a few choice pics from the night and they will be up soon.

Choppy/Vague recollection from Last Night that I can't string together into a blog coherently:

can't remember where or from whom I got that green St. Patrick's Hat

remember losing it when it fell onto the tracks at Queen on the way home whilst staggering and bumping into Mike (co-worker) who was equally drunk

reminded by Nick that it was freezing cold outside but felt nothing

got a free Guinness stress ball from bartender

got off the "Red Rocket" to puke @ Bathurst Station.

phased out while sitting on the couch for an hour before going upstairs to drink as much water as I could, showered, THEN went to bed. ~ all done in a very hazy state, almost dream like.

*** Lesson of the Day ***
Either should of filled up stomach with some food or stopped 3 pints earlier.

All in good fun ^_^

Productive Sick Day?

2006-03-01T01:47:00.000-05:00

So there I am waiting in the bus shelter and this stoopid itch starts getting itchier within my throat. *cough cough* It kept going for at least 5 seconds straight. That's it ~ I made a little agreement to myself within my head ~ "If I start coughing one more time b4 that bus comes, I'm callin' in sick. *cough cough* *beep beep beep* I leave a voicemail on my manager's phone that I'm not comin' in. Despite feeling awful this morning I showered and felt a little better and tried to go into work. Must be the hot water and steam that makes your sinuses clear and your throat "not-so-dry???" Monday was the "busy day" but I went in even though I was sorta showing the symptoms of a cold. So today I gave up ~ don't want to make everyone else sick right? I think I made the right decision.

It's amazing how much things you can get done on a sick day though. Managed to cut my hair, re-sticker and lube my cube, skin my nano, get some well needed sick-rest, and then wake up in time to watch the Leafs lose. What else is new.

***Note about Buckley's***
This stuff doesn't taste as bad as they claim it does (or how people who send testimonials of how bad this stuff tastes) Sure it's not a pleasure to take 2 teaspoons of this stuff, but I think the green Triaminic liquid is/was still the worst. Anyone remember that one? I don't think it exists anymore.

Buckley's definitely does work though. It actually smells like that bleaching agent I use to colour my hair.

That enuff Links for ya!? It doesn't stop.

This Sick Day was so productive I even managed to Edit/Crop and post those pictures from Fonz's B-Day. I still gotta fix the titles and comments a bit but the pictures are there. or Here.

No Time? GAH! The Frustration.

2006-02-21T01:13:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I enjoyed the day off (President's Day ~ woot!), but I'm looking back at it now ~ thinking, "How did I run out of time?" My day started off a little late because I slept in. I needed some extra rest as this weekend was great. It started Thursday with drinks after work with some kewel co-workers. Fun times, but the best was yet to come for Fonz's birthday @ the Bier Markt Saturday.
Last year he puked all over the table, the floor, oh and yeah.... himself LMAO! From what I heard, I it was all the same this year. "Heard" b/c I was busy having fun myself on the dance floor. All I have to say is, "Why do you girls give out fake numbers?" GAH!
Just tell me no, you're not interested or slap me in the face. Better that than me disturbing someone because of a wrong number.
Ne ways. Fun times nevertheless. The pics will be up soon.
This brings me to why I have no time. Sure I slept in a little but that was supposed to be enough time for me to pass by the bank and talk to someone about RSP's, watch the Canadian Women's Hockey Team win gold ~ WOOT!, work out a little or play some shinny hockey, buy some socks and another one of those cool NIKE Dry Fit shirts (these shirts rule!), then accompany Pete and Dom to the car rental place for our East Coast Trip this summer.
Just because I couldn't finish a Level 5 Sudoku Puzzle. Yes, I'm one of those people on the subway frantically trying to finish their puzzle before their stop comes. Then almost forgetting to get off the stop and pushing everyone in their path to get to an exit door. This same puzzle that I'm trying to finish now is the first thing I did as soon as I woke up.
I gotta get to bed and I'm still not gonna finish, plus I'm not gonna have enough time to post the weekend pics, GAH!

*** Note ***
Yes, Gah! is my favourite online word as I picked it up during that online golf game I'm still addicted to. Missing a shot by 0.1m can be ultra frustrating.

Why Some Contracts Suck

2006-02-14T04:34:00.000-05:00

TSN doesn't have a contract with the CCA (Canadian Curling Association) but still has eligibility from CBC to have programming re-assigned to them.

Does anybody care about this blog about curling?

NO

~ my point exactly.

My only problem is ~ Winter Olympics Coverage 2am:

TSN = Curling
NBC = Girl's Snowboarding.

NBC wins!

Finally! | Non-Work Stresses

2006-02-07T00:27:00.000-05:00

Finally! So I'm ~~installing~~, trying to install itunes into my computer with great difficulty...GREAT difficulty. I was thinking here I have this beautiful piece of music technology and I can't even put any music into it. The amount of stress endured in the past 2 hours amounted to 100 X the amount of stress (really non-stress) for the entire day at work...gah! Thank God for google. '<3'
So many tweaks and folder permissions to change around. iTunes even screwed with registry settings so my CD Rom drives disappared...again "I love you google"

In the past two days I just missed witnessing large accidents. Today on the subway as we entered Wellesley Station, the subway was entering really slowly, I could see the frustration in everyone's faces (everyone who was probably late, hehe). First site: a whole bunch of cops hovering around someone on the floor. I didn't bother to stand and see what was going on but but those faces of frustration turned into astonishment and disbelief. Hmmm, I wonder, what did they see? The patrons on the platform had similar expressions but they were definitely more shocked.
Yesterday, while coming home after the Superbowl, the roads were pretty bad. While waiting at an intersection, I could see a car that sorta spun out of control besides a streetcar. Suddenly the car tries to take off but the "Superman-like" streetcar driver lunges out of his vehicle and nearly gets run over by the car driver. Luckily the guy stops and the TTC guy yells and points at him...I'm guessing something like, "Stop right there you F$@#$!" The light turns green and I start moving up. I see a guy helping some lady that's on the floor holding her head. I ono. Nearly a hit and run? crazy $h!t3

Not Enough 'Walk & Talk'

2006-02-02T00:54:00.000-05:00

Well, as I have coined this year for myself the year of 'Walk The Talk' ~ I haven't done enough talking to start the walking ~ (a little loophole I found in my grand scheme hehe ^_~ )...especially on the old blog posting here. I actually held off the urge to play that online golf game for one night (that was tough I tell ya!) and decided to work out my own budget for plans for this year. A vacation to California/Vegas?, Cuba, and that road trip east everyone seems to be talking about (not in that particular order of time or preference). Most likely it'll be 2 out of the 3 but things happen ~ I've actually never really took a vacation, and I'd be perfectly happy to stay in "T.O" but I'll try somethin' new this year.

Take into account that I'm joining the gym again (there... it's finally posted, now it's time for me to do the 'Walk') It's not gonna be half assed either. I'll be so into the health and fitness thing that friends are gonna look and say, "Dood!?! what's wrong with you?!" I'll even try to work out in the morning and be crazy like Christian Bale à la "American Psycho" ~ fully dedicated to the improvement of one's self. Sure, the whole movie's not about that but I'm just trying to make a point about the degree of obsessiveness.

After proclaiming this year "Walk the Talk" I've seen how many times people say things but don't act on it. If anyone ever catches me doing this, let me know! My belief is that following this philosophy will take you places. Life's too short...Holy $h!te ~ it's already February!

Currently Listening:

Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come"

Fugees | 'Live @ BBC Radio'

Racist or Realist?

2006-01-20T20:21:00.000-05:00

Scenario: Coming home from work on the subway...

Jane Bus:

Always packed with too many people

No courtesy~(people bud the line & crowd near the front loading area)

Arrives very frequently (max. wait time = 5 mins)

Thug-like individuals frequent this bus

Runnymede Bus:

Very light load of people

Very courteous (single file line-up)

Arrives infrequently (every half hour)

No thug-like individuals

I always check the time to see if the Runnymede bus will be arriving by the time I get there. If it's not, I pose the question to myself, "Which station should I get off? Jane or Runnymede?"
I evaluate the pros and cons stated above. Despite a middle to lengthy wait time I'll opt to wait a little longer and choose the Runnymede bus over the Jane bus.

Last summer, some thug-like individuals on the Jane bus accidentally shot that girl in the head in the cross-fire. I'm not one to believe in destiny, so my choice is one I take seriously.
Now, am I stereotyping the Jane-bus individuals or just playing by the numbers?

Wish I was in the Peg?

2006-01-07T00:37:00.000-05:00

Winnipeg that is. Why? cuz they have news that I could actually stand to watch without getting disgusted. The news teaser here: "Stay tuned, Toronto's first murder of the year..." yada yada, shootings here, shootings there and then the election campaign trail... pffft ~ I click to another channel. I happen to come across the teaser for CTV news in Winnipeg : An incident with a guy on a snowmobile, and then some home video of a tornado, the news anchor speaks about how this year's weather will be much better than the last. The home video with the tornado and the guy holding the camera says, "Holy $h!te, would ya look at that!?" LMAO! ... and yes... CTV Winnipeg failed to bleep out the S word. I love it. Could I live in Winnipeg? probably not, only if I had to. I think they have more murders per capita than we do.
What can be done other than voting for a party that has 'Crime Cracking Claims'? Let's make 2006 the year of, "Walk the Talk" Someone please just hire a thousand vigilantes to dress up like Batman and wreak havoc on evil-doers, if some guys from church street prefer to dress up like Robin, by all means go ahead.
Honestly, I think it would work.

Manny for Mayor 2010 ^_^

Going off beyond the tangent ~ Did anybody know that Canadian Tire had a wedding registry?

Hmmm....This Can't Be Good

2005-12-29T03:32:00.000-05:00

More than 2 weeks since snowboarding and it's still sore on my chest (flashback: fell forwards really hard and had the wind knocked out of me). I'm not one who's ever been known to be a hypochondriac, and I've been guilty of not going to the doctor often (checkups??? what for?). If it were muscle pain, it would of been alleviated by now, with the Tiger Balm if not time. So, after work, went home and just slept, maybe some well needed rest would do me good, so now I'm awake 4 in the morning posting about it, lol.
Hopefully nothing is seriously wrong in the upper ribs, but it's been getting worse in the past 2 days (arm movement and deep breathing is painful). Hmmm....this can't be good, I'm gonna have to go in and say, "What's up Doc?". *crossing fingers* as I'm planning on going snowboarding again this coming New Year's weekend.

On another note, since other people have been posting blogs about the coming election, I now feel an obligation to actually care and follow it now. I just received my voter's cards today.

Thoughts:
Can't vote Liberals back in (they need a lesson)
Can't spoil vote with NDP or any other
Harper's GST cutting promise ~ the first one he breaks. lol (If he wins)
Liberals still going to win *shrugs*

If downloading music becomes an election issue, then they've really got my attention.

Sidenote : but a very worthy one!
Congrats to my cousin Janine & Rob on their engagement this Christmas! ^_^

In honour of the coming election, here's a Sigur Ros video??: LMAO!

Update Jan 7 2006 (video removed)

*** Lesson of the Day ***
Don't trust anybody ~ even old people ^_~

Schmooze

2005-12-26T00:19:00.000-05:00

Went out on Friday night to take my cousin out on her last night in Toronto. We (my other cousin Janine, and Isabelle) all ended up at a club called Schmooze which reminded me again of Swingers (Mike's speak easy convo)cuz the place is on a super small street and it has no sign. Despite having now read the reviews on how terrible the service, music, and especially the bouncer's lack of class and indiscretion... i experienced none of it. As there was no line, we just walked in, not having had our i.d.'s checked. The music is good enough, the bartenders are quick, and the people are polite.

The place is really weird inside though. It kinda reminded me of elementary/highschool dances. Even though the place is filled with business professionals, no one was really dancing, but people were just drinking on the sides and talking. A few people just bouncing up and down and swaying from side to side. A lot of bad dancers ~ lol! One great thing though was when I ordered a 'rum and coke', a 'ginger and rye', a 'Woody', and a 'cosmopolitan', I had my money ready, and the bartenders says, "$9.50!", I must of had a dumbfounded look on my face, cuz she looks straight at me with a smile on her face and yells over the music, "I know! Crazy huh?!" Sure, we paid a $10 cover, but from 5pm to 11pm on a Friday, you can still get your money's worth easily.

The other weird thing about this place ~ after finishing doing my business in the washroom for my first visit, I'm washing my hands I notice a pleasing feminine smell beside me. I look to the reflection in the mirror and notice a girl putting her mascara right next to me. "WTF!, I'm not drunk!" still thinking to myself, "did you walk into the girl's room Manny?!" I then notice that both guys and girls are washing their hands. Relieved, I walk out and notice that the lady's room is right next door but we share the same 'hand washing' area. That was weird. I tell the experience to my cousin, then Isabelle tells me that the exact same mirror is a 2 way mirror, and that the stalls in the lady's washroom are the same way. Kinda like this I imagine. My remaining visits to the washroom were mainly to just have fun with this notion. Pretending that I could see on the other side, and also smiling and mouthing, "yeah, I can see you" ~ yah, I'm weird too! lol

Fun night! ^_^

OMG The Pain!

2005-12-19T00:05:00.000-05:00

I can't remember the last time I had so much pain on my body. I had to buy some
Tiger Balm after snowboarding with my cousin from LA. Even the drive back from Blue Mountain was painful. I hate thinking that it's because I'm getting old, but convincing myself otherwise is a futile debate:
(1) ~I'm out of shape? ~
Sorta, but not really, I've been skating a lot lately.

(2) ~ Those 2 major falls took their toll? (Had the wind knocked out of me b/c I fell forward on my chest, but I also fell on my back hard enough that my hat and goggles went flying 10 metres away!) ~
Sure, the falls were bad but my chest and back aren't really sore. Mostly my knees, quads and triceps.

(3) ~ It was my first time snowboarding (I've only skiied) so I'm using muscles that I haven't used before? ~
That's really a cop out, my knees and quads are used greatly when skating, however, my triceps are on fire from having to lift myself off my ass soooo many times!

Regardless... it was definitely fun. I'm hoping to go again just before the new year *crossing fingers*
The cherry to top the fun day was the news that the Wildcats won the most important game of the year ~ So sweet! , in other news... Belfour & the Leafs lost, what else is new?

Sunday, decided that I was only gonna go to the birthday party, not the symphony, and not both. Being there with the family under one roof was really really nice. Even with the price of gas lately, it was still "worth the drive to Acton" lol, yeah, the birthday party was in Acton. I didn't look to see where the Olde Hide House was but one interesting fact... Acton only has 1 Stop Light intersection.

For the reason of missing "Handel's Messiah"
@ the Toronto Symphony Orchestra...

I'm Currently listening to:
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3

Johann Sebastian Bach

Speaking of pain...this song evokes mixed childhood memories of stress, awe, disappointment and accomplishment. It was hard to learn but worth the achievement.

OWNED!!!

2005-12-14T01:56:00.000-05:00

A few days ago while bored and just lookin' for something to do, the boys and I decide to go to Caffé Demetré®

For those who don't know of it, click the link but if you don't want to... fine!
It's a dessert/cafe. It annoys some people, yes, when locations/stores are pluralized unnecessarily, but I call it Demetré's ~ (with the S), but neh! =P
>>>
Despite knowing that it was a dessert place...
Despite not seeing people eating anything other than desserts...
Despite not hearing/smelling a fryer w/ fried foods...
Despite not seeing anything else on the menu other than desserts...

I still convinced Nick to order something else.

Nick: "Can I have the burger and fries?"
I couldn't believe it!
Venturing away from my 'passive manipulative' abilities I can be dangerous. ^_~
After keeping the sip of water in my mouth with all the strength I had as my laughter was fighting to push it out, I looked @ Nick and said, "OWNED!" I continued, but I guess he didn't hear as he was still red faced, "Would you like some ice cream for that burn?" (stole that from Cici, thx, uber appropriate for the situation)

Nick, joo b33n pwned!

Decisions Decisions

2005-12-11T01:45:00.000-05:00

Here I am typing with a sore left arm (started off with the wrist only) ~ was trying to pull off a cool skating move @ Nathan Phillips Square yesterday but wiped out hard. Was supposed to STOP backwards on my 'left' skate (not my usual way ~ I'm a righty), and then while in mid stop, crossover and continue skating on... Well, it didn't happen that time, I had a lazy left leg and didn't lift it high enough, so my heel clipped the choppy ice and down I went. Landing backwards, I could of hit my head, luckily I kept it up, however, my wrist beared the brunt of the fall. Now my whole left arm is sore, and it's been bothering me all day. Yes, I blame the choppy ice (no zamboni to clean it up), and yes, I also blame the drunk guy screaming obcenities to the skaters. He was hilarious though, I think he was belting out a Grateful Dead song as I was skating by and I couldn't put my finger on what song it was... next thing I know, my ass is on the ice!
>>>
I sort of already made a decision but I wanted to see if I can get some feedback. >>>
My 'cuz from Cali' is visiting and arriving next week. It's gonna be so much fun... I'm looking forward to snowboarding for the first time...I've only skiied. Now one dilemma I have is that another family member is having a birthday party (about a week b4 Christmas). Unfortunately, I already have tickets for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra on the same day ~ "Handel's Messiah" ~ perfect for Christmas, don't ya think? Anyhoo, already agreed to go to the birthday party since this is probably gonna be the only chance I have to see family for Christmas occasions this year. Plus somehow the concert slipped my mind when I was calling to R.S.V.P. the invitation...
Probably gonna have to "easily find" someone to take these awesome tickets, but I was soooo looking forward to this concert. GAH! Hmmm, maybe I can do both? highly unlikely :(

Currently Listening:
Joni Mitchell
"River" | Blue

"Oh, I wish I had a river, I could skate away...on"
This song was playing Friday night on the radio which gave me the inspiration to go to City Hall to skate... yes, even alone. For me, skating under the lights in the cold helps rekindle Christmas memories ^_^

'Good' Times Were Enjoyed

2005-12-03T16:55:00.001-05:00

It was set up to be a boring Friday night. The original plan of staying downtown after work for drinks with the boys got shot because of someone's network problems which delayed our coordinated rendezvous. Went home to relax for a while but I needed to get out of the house. So I called Fonz to see if he was just as bored as me, and see if he wanted to accompany me to buy some tea @ Yorkdale. On our way to pick up Dom, I get a text message from Liz ~ "What Are You Guys Doing Tonight?" I call to answer her text and tell her of our great plans that we didn't have. She was heading to Yorkdale herself to pick her friend Kathy up and go down to a bar called Milwaukee's. I offer a ride since she's on the way to Yorkdale anyways. After picking up the tea and her friend, we head downtown even though we heard news that Milwaukee's may be closed down ~ it was. We then head all the way back to the west end to Arizona's near the airport. Somethin' about bars/clubs that are named after U.S. states/cities ~ I always have a great time @ Arizona's or Montana's, so the suggestion for Arizona's was a no brainer for me and it didn't seem that far away.

I was worried I wouldn't get into the clubs downtown and even had some concern into getting into Arizona's. I knew they didn't have any strict dress code but I was 'dress ready' for skating (my new snow pants w/ suspenders, and a white hoody) I was probably gonna go skating after picking up the tea, but plans change right? Anyhoo, I got in easily, with the bouncer not even checking my i.d. ~ nice!

Who chugs red wine? Answer: Fonz does (he's crazy) As soon as I saw him downing his wine as if it were water on a hot day I knew we were in for a great night. Liz and Kathy wanted to go out to a place that had a dance floor. Well, they got more than what they bargained for. The guys on that floor are like a pack of rabid dogs, each of 'em trying to get their cheap feels and grinding jollies. Now as long as the girls are inclined, I don't see a problem, but when some weirdos were getting too personal, I could see the girls' faces ~ they needed some help. I did the best I could but it was only my lonesome self trying to protect them for the first round of dancing. Back at the table, I told Fonz that I needed some backup. It was much better for the later rounds of dancing, and we even had Dom waiting on the side of the dance floor. There was this older weirdo ~ let's call him the 40 year old virgin (big dorky glasses, and a Christmas sweater) He was super aggressive and kept trying to rub up on Liz and touching her. The guy was pissin' me off, I kept blocking him out but in his attempt to continue his mission, he was rubbin' up on me trying to block me out. I was having none of that. I turned around, looked him straight in the eye and started a gino dance right in front of him. It caught him off guard and he ceased his advances towards the girls. I turned around and I see Liz and Dom dying of laughter, maybe it was my couragous/gay display of dancing but it was my way of stopping the situation without starting a confrontation *shrugs* it worked.
Now I haven't seen Dom dance ever in my life. Kathy made a bet with me that she could make him dance. I stuck out my hand for the handshake as I thought this was the easiest ten bucks I'll ever make. Now it looked good for a little while, but eventually the girls got him on the dance floor, and I couldn't believe my eyes, he was dancing! I didn't care, but that was the best $10 bet that I've lost. Kathy ~ the cheque is in the mail ^_~

Nearing the end, after Fonz had his pint of beer...
Nearing the end, after he had chugged a few more glasses of red wine
(think he had 1 1/2 Litres in total)...
Nearing the end, after a shot of something else, it was time for him to shine.
Nearing the end, Fonz was delirious, he was yelling so loud as he sang the lyrics to the songs. He was loud enough that people could hear him over the music, also raising his arms in praise didn't help him become inconspicuous. (LOL as I type this) I had to hold him up several times as he was losing his balance and nearly fell into the pack of dogs on the sidelines. During the last song 'More Than Words' by Extreme (which was converted into a slow dance song) they had the lights on and Fonz was still amid couples who remained on the floor to slow dance. "MORE THAN WORDS!" Fonz was still raising his arms and belting out the song. We were all cracking up as a girl was capturing video from her cell phone of Fonz stumbling around yelling, "THEN YOU WOULDN'T HAVE TO SAY!, THAT YOU LOVE ME!!, COZ I'D ALREEEEAAADY KNOOOOW!!!"

He was truly dancing like nobody was watching, and singing like nobody was listening.
You are the AWESOME Fonz!

I think Liz said it best, "You have the best times when things are spontaneous!"
It was the best text message I've ever answered.
Good Times!

Currently Listening to: 7oi

Luckily I got to see some NCAA basketball ~ Kentucky Wildcats played ~ WOOT!. I had such a great time that night, that even watching them losing to UNC Tarheels, and a Leafs loss tonight didn't bother me...much. Guess it just wasn't a day for the blue teams...
I still have a smile on my face. ^_^

Do I Have A Contingency Plan?

2005-11-29T19:16:00.000-05:00

I'm one for always looking at all my options before making a decision, sometimes looking TOO long and looking for ALL my options. I like finding the worse case scenario and see how I would deal with it. So I thought that I was thorough.
Well..., at work we had an hour-long meeting which I thought was going to be a waste of time, but it was quite interesting and informative. We were given 7 scenarios regarding disasters that would occur at work, or the downtown core. It ranged from chemical spills, blackouts, and 'God forbid' a terrorist attack. We were to discuss them in our small groups and then share our ideas and thoughts with everyone else. I was amazed at how prepared companies are with respect to any emergency situation. In order for the continuity of our tasks, there is a building reserved for critical employees with the necessary equipment as our current location. [Now, I can't tell you where this place is as I've been sworn to secrecy ~ lol! nah, j/k, I'm just really not supposed to tell anybody or else I've have to kill some people. hehe]
Anyways...
There are setups for transportation, communication to inform all employees, lodging, and even daycare. All this just so they can keep business going. It's crazy!
This is when I thought, "Do I have a contingency plan?"

What I found funny was that, just in case the building had to be evacuated, there is a big meeting place for everyone. They gave us a map, and it looked very similar to this one.
This is the same map used for that meeting place for that big pillow fight downtown 2 weeks ago. The map given at work even had the same 2 arrows pointing, "Meet Under This" There was an uncanny resemblance.

I don't care, next pillow fight I'm going. In case we can't make it, plan B is to...

Currently Listening To:
Joanna Newsom ~Click Image 4 Video

'Sprout & The Bean' | The Milk Eyed Mender
Audio Sample

Winter Daze

2005-11-24T23:05:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I guess I'll give in and talk about the weather on my blog too. I think it's the media that makes such a big deal out of the weather, people do become stupid (not because of the weather, but because of the media hype). Maybe people like me that don't think it's a big deal actually just ignore it and drive on our streets thinking that everything is normal. I for one may still be stubborn again this year and not buy winter tires. I'm not driving often enough now to warrant the purchase, but there's gonna be that one day I'm gonna wish i did (note: I live @ the end of a 'dead-end' street ~ they don't plow our street until 3 days after a big snow storm)

I enjoyed my U.S. Thanksgiving day off by first sleeping in until 10am ~ unheard of by my standards now. Passed by York to sell some old text books I know I will never open up again but kept the accounting ones. I didn't think I would actually think they'd be useful to me, funny how things turn out. Mostly just wanted to pass by and say hello to some old friends ~ I can't believe I actually miss school.

After that quick tryst with the past, I decided to mallrat. I was so damned bored, I figured that some retail therapy would help with the boredom. My cuz from Cali is visiting in a couple of weeks and she wants to snowboard, yes! This is the news I hear after I hear that we're getting some snow. This is probably why some Americans from the warmer states still believe that we live in igloos ~ by the time she gets here we'll be up 2 feet in snow. She texts me and asks if she needs to buy some special boots or jackets...I was dying! This California girl is in for a surprise I think. Anyhoo, I needed to upgrade some of my winter gear and so I head to Yorkdale, Sherway Gardens and Promenade Mall, not because I didn't like what I saw but just b/c i wanted to drive out in the snow. Bought these amazing pair of snowboarding/skiing pants, my older pair I had ripped to shreds from hockey and some massive wipeouts skiing. This new pair is amazing, there's probably more technology built into these pants than a walkman from the 80's! It came with a pamphlet attached to it ~ nutter.

Currently Waiting on:

KINGDOM HEARTS II

The 'Hikari-Kingdom' (Orchestra Instrumental Theme)
~ Beautiful ~ Can't wait for December!

Is This Networking?

2005-11-18T00:15:00.000-05:00

Well, been at the new job now for a week and I must say I'm enjoying the new experience immensely. I've been trying to remember all the people's names on my floor and well...networking in the lounge as well. So a couple days ago a big wig manager from Boston is visiting our Toronto offices to overlook some operations and give my manager an award. During the office chit chat I'm introduced as the "new guy" He comes in, I'm then coerced by my new co-workers to "show-off" my rubik's cubing skills and I impressed of course ^_~
>>>
This Boston manager then starts joking by saying that he's in town to get his Tom Brady back. [long story short: he has a little Tom Brady figurine he kept on his desk, some ppl in his Boston office stole it and took it to Toronto on one of their own visits and put it on my manager's desk and took a pic and posted it back in the Boston office kitchen]
Before he started to tell that story to my group, he asked, "You know who Tom Brady is?" ~ now this is when I remembered a conversation I had with Manduh and Chris while playing "painted yahtzee" ~ I then replied, "3 Superbowl rings, 2 MVP's!? Yeah, I know him!" The guy then said, "Wow, you'd fit in nicely in Boston, I'll definitely get you and your team to come visit and have some training sessions!" Anyhoo, he said that sometime in the spring we'd have an opportunity to go ~ woot!
Who would of thought that networking through Myspace.com would help me go places? =P

Anyhoo, thx Chris for being obsessed with Tom Brady, & thx Manduh for being there. ^_^

Currently Listening To:
Amanda ~ Boston lol!

Boston | Greatest Hits

My Eyes Are Killin' Me...

2005-11-15T01:29:00.000-05:00

...or Somebody's having a case of the MUNdays. It was an interesting first day. I arrived early ~about 8:30a but was required to only be there by 8:45a~ I gotta try to make this a good habit. I was soooooo stressed the night before, not really for the job, I knew I could probably handle whatever they were gonna dish out, but I was really more worried about waking up early. To add to the matter, I thought I lost my cell phone that night. That added to the pre-'new job anxieties' as I tried to get some shut eye ~ probaby got to bed around 2am. Fortunately, I found my phone inside the car this morning under the passenger seat??? dunno how that got there.

I'm definitely gonna have to get a portable music player of some sort, my mind was going nuts on the bus & subway commute. It was my obsessing over all the different people that was makin' me crazy. From the girl that sneezed onto a tissue and then used that same tissue to hold onto the pole ~ ewwwww, to the girl that has yet to discover the miracle of exfoliation, and the weirdo guy that's reading the Metro News over someone's shoulder. It didn't help either that I was on the "ipod" subway ~ "I reckon Imma hafta give in to da hype, ipod nano here I come!"

The movie, Office Space crossed my mind several times but not as much as when I arrived early for work. I get into the conference room to wait for everyone else and there were 2 people ahead of me. The first one, a pretty girl actually named "Pritty" and a guy that I heard introduce himself as "Milton", I almost couldn't hold in my laughter. I repeated, "Milton!?" In his chinese accent he corrected me, "Mill Der" ~ Wishful thinking I guess.

Because I don't have passwords yet and therefore no access to a computer, all I did was watch other people's monitors. For some reason this girl that's showing me the ropes keeps her monitor as bright as the sun and a contrast setting to match. My eyes are killin' me! >.<

Currently Listening To:
Damn It Feels Good To Be A Gangsta ~ Geto Boys

Office Space | Soundtrack

Big Pillow Fight!

2005-11-11T02:22:00.000-05:00

Lately I've been in a creative slumber of sorts. I didn't even post that blog about karaoke night, don't think that's gonna happen, the moment has passed I guess. So in staying with my uncreative mood ~ I'll just give you the the 411 on a large pillow fight in Toronto this Sunday.
I wish I could go but I'm working ~ my last day *tear*. I'm soooo tempted to call in "sick" but I'm too responsible for that I guess. It's for a good cause to raise awareness ~ Toronto Anti Gun Violence Day.

Plucked this from a Mississauga Blog. Hmmm, why am I getting amazing news on Toronto from some Westside Saugans?
Anyhoo, kudos to Adam for givin' me the heads up.

Currently Watching:

Almost Famous (Untitled) | Director's Edition

You Know You're From Toronto When...

2005-11-10T18:25:00.000-05:00

You Know You're From Toronto When...

A really great parking spot can move you to tears.

You can recommend about 3 good body piercing parlours.

You make well over $100,000 and you still can't find a nice place to live.

You realize there are far more rainbow flags in the city than Canadian Flags.

When the temperature rises above zero degrees, you yell "Woohooo! Patio weather!"

You enjoy watching channel 47 multicultural TV

You're guaranteed to know at least one person on every episode of Speaker's Corner.

You haven't been to the CN Tower since you were six, but still have nightmares about that damn turbo elevator.

You've had at least 3 bicycles stolen in the past 10 years.

You've partied with at least one of the members of The Kids in the Hall

You've fantasized about having sex in Casa Loma

At least 3 of your friends have moved to Vancouver

You turn your nose up at any establishment frequented by the S&M crowd. (Scarborough and Mississauga)

You never, never, never swim in the lake

You know "The Beaches" are really called "The Beach", but still say "The Beaches" just to annoy all the nitwits who live there

You ever had a birthday party at the Organ Grinder or The Mad Hatter

You can say "world's tallest freestanding structure" ten times fast

You know the correct answer to "Where do shopping carts go to die?" is "The Don River"

You speak better Chinese than French

The word "cabbagetown" doesn't strike you as particularily amusing

Castle Frank subway station remains one of the great mysteries of the universe for you.

You know what the bathrooms in the First Canadian Place are REALLY for

You don't know where Fort York is, but have a vague recollection of being there in a past life

You know the Demic's song "I Wanna Go To New York City" was intended as sarcasm, not a weekend getaway suggestion

You know where to find Dim Sum, Sushi, Curry, Pad Thai and a dildo at 3 am on a weeknight

For the last time, it's pronounced 'TRONNA'!

You consider eye contact a sign of hostility and an invasion of your privacy.

It takes you half an hour to get to work by TTC and you are the envy of all your friends.

You mourned the death of the Spadina Bus.

You know someone who went to high school with at least one member of The Barenaked Ladies or RUSH

You laugh heartily at people who refer to highway four hundred and one.

You've taken the vomit comit.

You can manuver your bike across Queen st. without getting caught in the streetcar tracks.

You know the difference between souvlaki, moussaka and spanakoptia.

You can name at least three locations of The Beer Store that are open till 11 PM.

You have NEVER been to the Hard Rock Cafe

You actually get these jokes and pass them on to other friends from Toronto.

I think the Hard Rock Cafe one is out of date...that's just me.

Karaoke Post Can Wait.

2005-11-07T17:02:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to let the online world know.
YES!!! Just got a call and I got the job.

Now I'm writing a resignation letter.
Thanks to everyone for their support ^_~

Toodles.

Currently Listening to:

Hyperballad

Bjork | Post

Kurt sKatin' Karaokin' Kinda Knight

2005-11-07T05:06:00.000-05:00

Had another celebrity sighting today, again, not a huge one, but Kurt Browning's pretty popular. ~~I gotta tell my mom when she wakes up~~, correction, she just woke up and I told her, "Kurt Browning says Hi!"... her reply ~ "WHAT!?" lol

Story:
A lovely lady comes into the Tool Rental and asks for a carpet kicker (something to help stretch a carpet for installation), and then following her was a guy holding baseboards. Immediately I notice that the cap, fleece sweater, and joggers are all ®oots clothing, but more importantly for the story ~ worn by Kurt Browning. Sure, you probably don't care, and I'm displaying a little gayness with my vast knowledge of figure skating but the guy's 4 time world champion and the first to land a quad in competition (that's 4 spins in the air before he touches ground folks!) That's somethin', plus, note that I only watch it for the chicks (yes!, I said chicks.... Whatcha gonna do?... neh! didn't think so!)

Back to the story:
Now, I didn't immediately say something stupid like, "Hey, you're Kurt Browning!", No-Sireee Bob! I wanted to do or say somethin' smart, like the time when I met Canadian Tire Guy's wife. I started adjusting the length of the carpet kicker and showing him how to use it by hitting the pad with my knee. Cleverly, as I did this I said, "Make sure you get the right distance from the wall, you don't want to re-injure that knee." I looked up and he replied, "Nice" to acknowledge that he knew that I knew. "I'll make sure not to...", blah blah blah ~ He went on about how he still hasn't got the confidence in his right leg for take-off. I was so close to asking him whether his sow-cow has gone sour, but alas, I refrained. lol! Told him how my mother loves watching figure skating and I watch it sometimes (for the girls of course ^_^), and she's a big fan. In the end, he tells me, "Say hello to your mom for me!" Me: "Sure will"

Hmmm, this post is getting long.... gonna tell about the eventful karaoke night another day!

missed

2005-11-05T05:32:00.000-05:00

Currently Listening:

Angel ~ Sarah McLachlan

It's amazing, this song just started playin on the radio, just before I published it.
Put a smile on my face ^_^

Inspiration 4 A Road Trip

2005-11-05T00:54:00.000-05:00

Well, I finally saw Elizabethtown. With a little luck and ingenuity, I managed to pay and then return the ticket and then still get in ^_~

Despite the bad reviews, this movie wasn't all that bad. It was actually pretty good ~ not spectacular but worth the price of non-admission hehe. I thought the movie would fall short with the casting. Orlando Bloom and Kirsten Dunst did well enough that I even forgot that it was them. I think that's usually where casting uber popular actors for movies goes wrong. I wasn't thinking, "Oh, there's Legolas kissing Mary Jane!" The problem was with the editing of the storyline I think, the climax of the movie came too soon. Thinking the movie was nearly over, it seemed to drag a bit. I didn't mind it afterwards because the dragging part was inspiring.
[don't worry, I didn't give anything away]
I definitely have to take a road trip in the near future.
Now I would of given a little lower rating but the soundtrack was just too good. It contained a very memorable line I will always remember, both clever and romantic ~

3.9 out of 5

Obviously Currently Listening to:

Elizabethtown Soundtrack

Ryan Adams played that song, "Come Pick Me Up" from the soundtrack on Letterman tonight, It was great cuz he changed it up a bit with the melody but the swearing was edited ~ "BooooUrns" Censorship sucks!

2 Days Late for Halloween

2005-11-04T02:35:00.000-05:00

Wednesday was quite a disgusting night ~ cool but disgusting. While blaring the tunes @ work, there was a driver who called in to Q107 I think, and said that there was blood all over the roads. It was leaking from a truck that was transporting animal blood. He said that it was splattering all over his car and windshield, and that the smell was dreadful. The spill occurred 5 mins from my place, but more importantly, only 10 mins from work. I said out loud, "I know where I'm going as soon as I'm done."
>>>>
So there I am waiting in the traffic for 'bout 10 minutes b4 I see anything that might interest me. There was some sand/'or absorbing material' all over the place. Saw a cute girl beside me so I opened my windows... >>> bad move, it reeked pretty bad. She opened her window and asked, "What's going on?" With excitement I said, "There's blood all over the floor, some truck leaked it out!" Her face went from wonderment to disgust, she replied, "Ewww!" She didn't share my enthusiasm. As I got to where it was still pretty wet, I saw flares that the police had laid out on the ground. Strangely, it was beautiful, the reflected bright lights against the blood... lol, stunning in its beauty ~ I wish I had my camera! :(
It looked like something out of a horror movie ~ maybe Carrie's Revenge or something. I thought, this happened 2 days late. Woulda been awesome for Halloween.
I was going to get a car wash anyways, so I was thinking that when I get to the opening, I was gonna peel out really fast and splatter the blood everywhere. Stoopid cops were there and a cruiser was ahead in the distance, I couldn't tell whether someone was in it or not. I probably will never get a chance like this again >.< gah! Alas, I just drove off and smiled... "That was kewel!"

Life Saver?

2005-11-02T01:21:00.000-05:00

Nope, if you're thinking about a candy from halloween, you're wrong....
>>>
So I finish my shift and I'm walking to my locker when a customer spots me and asks, "You work here?" Regretfully I answered, "Yes." She asks me how to work a specific propane heater and informs me that another person wasn't very helpful. I interject with, "Well, I may not be much help either, I don't work in this department, but what do you want to know?" She doesn't know anything, and comes off as... [hmmm, how should I say this kindly?] ahhh,~~~~~~missing marbles??
It was simple enough, I asked her if she read the instructions, but after a quick peruse, all there was to it was a connection from a propane tank to the heater and a red button (much like on a barbecue) to cause a spark. I exclaimed with excitement, "That's it!" She was elated, and so happy she kept talking about how cold the weather is getting, how she needs to wear gloves, and waiting for the bus..... she went on and on. I wanted to get out of there.
I entertained her for a few more moments when I heard her say, "Now I can sleep warm at night."
>>hold on>>>
WARNING BELLS went off in my head. "Excuse me?" I paused, "You're gonna use this in your house?" "Dude (yeah, I really said Dude lol), you're gonna die if you use this in your house!" I already knew that it was dangerous to use it indoors without ventilation but because I read the instructions, some precautions were refreshed in my mind. "This heater emits carbon monoxide", I made quotations with both hands and softly said, "The Silent Killer" I was attempting to scare her as I humoured myself (yeah, I'm evil). I recommended her to get an electric heater, even though it would skyrocket her electric bill, but at least she'd be alive in the morning.
Okay, maybe I'm not a Life Saver, but at least I'm happy that I stopped to help her out.

Who knows?

Keep yourselves warm and safe this coming winter.

*** Lesson of the Day ***
Patience

Currently Listening:
Nice Dream ~ Radiohead

Album | The Bends

Fune (foo • nay)

2005-10-29T01:33:00.000-04:00

Okay, this restaurant? ~ I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that based on the sushi alone ~ "Best Japanese Cuisine in Town!". Not saying that the ambience and service wasn't good either, but if the food is absolutely tasty, it has to be at the top of the list.

I heard about this place from a friend @ work. He never knew exactly where it was, but just that it was South of King St. near the Paramount© Movie Theatre. Every once in a while when I was in the area driving around those stupid one way streets, I was on a reconaissance mission. Being stubborn and wanting to be cool, I avoided searching for the place on the net, heck I didn't even ask for the name of the place.
I say cool b/c I want to be like Mike from Swingers,

"It's kind a like a speak easy kind a thing. It's kind a cool it's like you're in on some kind a secret, you know. You tell a chick you been some place it's like bragging you know how to find it."

Okay, to try and make this shorter ~ I finally find this place with Vinh. (by the way, the place was North of King St.) From the outside we can see the infamous sushi bar that I was told about. The place is sublevel from the street, and as you enter the doors, you feel like you've walked into a special place. It's not as overwhelming as I may try to describe it, but you don't get that feeling very often by just walking into a restaurant. It's sorta fancy shmancy but the people inside range from the casually dressed to the suit and tie business types. We were greeted by a hostess immediately and asked where we would like to sit. I said, "It's our first time here, so what would you suggest?" With assurance that we'd be happy with her suggestion she nodded while she closed her eyes and said, "Sushi Bar"...I was hoping she would say that ^_^)

Now the sushi bar is infamous b/c the guy from work said I would love it. It's an oval like enclosure with the sushi chefs in the middle and all the little sushi plates rotating around in front of the patrons. Usually the plates are on a belt of some sort or not at all, but what made it special was not only the 'fake marble lighted' counter we ate on, but what the plates were on top of. They were on top of boats just like that silhouette pic, and floating in water as they went around like a carousel ~ Sooo Awesome! We had to ask..."How are the boats moving? by motor?" our server said in her best english that it was water pressure. All the servers there were in kimonos, ours was so cute, and oh so Japanese, I thought I had met my geisha lol! Her eyes alone...unassuming and contagious. She was the only thing taking my attention away from the spectacle in front of us. Just to get her to pass by, I was tempted to ask and impress, "Kore wa nan desu ka?" ("What is this?"), but I refrained. I'm sure she gets that all the time ^_~

As we waited for our food, we had complimentary 'rice tea' and 'asparagus salad'. The salmon teriyaki was good, but the meal will always be remembered for the sushi. It was an event just looking at the small sushi plates float by as you work up the appetite to eat the beautifully presented food. My obsessive compulsive behaviour found out that it took 1 minute and 55 seconds for the plates to make one round. I thought that the Unagi Maki that I had was super, but the Mackerel Sashimi melted like butter in my mouth. I don't know how they make it taste so good. It's not like they have to cook it. ??

From reading the reviews, I've got to try this sushi pizza, and I haven't found it on this online menu but I've already sworn that before I die, the $75 Kobe Beef must be tried!

A truly Japanese experience!

Currently Watching:
Battle Royale

After that visit at Fune's I had to watch this movie...again.
It's oh so Japanese

Back From a Short Sabbatical

2005-10-28T00:25:00.000-04:00

Wasn't satisfied with my current station in life for the past 2 weeks, so decided to stay away from things that I deemed unproductive. Most of these being internet activities. Silly as it may seem, it may have started when I lost my camera. Unbelievable how the loss of a simple inanimate object can affect me like that. I must be going looney.

Anyhoo. Tuesday was a great day. A friend was out of the hospital after having his 3rd chemo treatment. Way to fight it buddy! Anyways, I didn't find out until that night that it was also his birthday. I'm still on a beer strike but I thought since he was finally 'out and about' after being in a hospital bed for 3 months, I figured it was okay to celebrate the occasion. Just a little red wine, video games, poker, and a whole lot of catching up. It was a great night, mostly due to the deep and thoughtful conversations. It made me think more of the important things and what realistic goals I had to set for myself.

I can probably organize key points in my life with songs and albums that I've listened to. This significant time will be associated with the Elizabethtown Soundtrack. Heard this movie sucked ass @ the Toronto Film Festival. Cameron Crowe edited and cut 18 mins out and it helped (according to Ebert). I'm still going to watch this movie regardless because I have a friend who actually lives in Elizabethtown so, 'imma hafta see it, i reckon'. Perhaps today after work.

Currently Listening:
Where To Begin ~ My Morning Jacket
(I love this song!)

Elizabethtown Soundtrack

Entire soundtrack available to listen @ :
Elizabethtown Myspace Profile

'Where to Begin ~ My Morning Jacket' song starts @ 22:0 right after another great song..."Come Pick Me Up ~ Ryan Adams"

[note to self - don't forget to post about amazing sushi restaurant] ~ stay tuned...
I'm tired and I gotta work early in the morning so....... neh! ^_^ lol

Hey Ho Hi !!! ~ Odeo Test

2005-10-25T18:39:00.000-04:00

Hey Ho Hi !!!
Just posted my first audio blog from ODEO.com
Once again, the people from google have spawned out and created internet magic. I hope it does well but I guess we'll see how it goes over time. I'm gonna see if I can always do this unedited and unscripted ~ I won't stop... even for MSN Messenger interruptions lol!
(In the long run ~ highly unlikely though, I am a perfectionist and I love to prepare)

Notice when I read the poem from below, I lose concentration @ "...and now I await her return" ~ I lost my iteration and rhythm but I think it was still a good 'first' and 'only' take.

Here it is _ _ _ _ _ _ Let me know what you think.

Anyhoo....Pete, you should get your audio fixed on your computer so you could try it out. It would certainly help in your field of study. To add to your myspace blog, you could podcast anything that's on your mind.

L8rs ^_^

...

2005-10-18T18:05:00.000-04:00

She came in the wee hours of night.. My sleepy-eyed angel...
Wrapped in a Flowing Sheet of Satin... Ethereal and Serene..

She spoke to me in gentle words..
Laced with Empathy, Smelling of Perfume
So Sweet one could swear it was Ambrosia that once adorned the gods of long ago..

She said I was hard to Break.. but that all would be ok..

And with that, She Left... as Sweetly as in her Arrival..
and now I await her return, for my angel is never far..

A soul as good and pure, I will certainly never find...

~CeruleanBlu