Ok so I know it's been forever with an update but here I am.  4 months after my last post and what has changed?  Not really much.  I still work at my same job, I'm now one year old since my birthday passed, and I'm just living life.  Major plans? Nothing really other than I will be attending BlizzCon (or as my sister calls it, a "nerd convention") this August and I'm really looking forward to it.  Other things include some new parts for my car (all suspension work) which I will install myself over a 3 day mini-vacation after July 4th though I doubt it will take up the entire 3 days and spending time with someone close to me down the road.

Other randomness that has occurred the past few months was I got my second speeding ticket which resulted in getting a "double whammy" of my previous ticket and this one being stuffed onto my record as well as I'm going to see an impact on my insurance :(  Another interesting bit was doing my first on-site visit to a customer in Chicago which was a last minute and took place all on May 1st.  Flying there, getting to the customer's site, solving their issue, and flying back...all of it in one day.  Yup, an interesting experience and honestly, I was lucky everything went well, but overall it was good.  All expenses covered by the company and I made it home in time for dinner, though I was exhausted.

Other than that, living life and work has been the majority of things here.  Saw the new Star Trek movie which woke up the old trekker within me from it's hibernation and went on a "Star Trek" frenzy for awhile.  I'm actually still on it now that I think of it :)  Also, recently Ghostbusters came out on Blu-ray in which they released a new video game as well that is supposed to be the "third" movie.  In all honesty, it is a great game and the voice acting alone (yup, they got ALL the actors from the movies to do voice acting) was worth it.  So, there is a mini-Ghostbuster's frenzy going on as well :)

So there you have it, a small, but brief little update on my life.  Oh and while I'm here, I might as well state I'm pretty stoked about a HBO mini-series coming out the beginning of next year called "The Pacific".  It a mini-series that will focus on WWII events in the Pacific and is kinda like a companion piece to "Band Of Brothers" which I'm a big fan of.  A preview trailer just came out today so have a look as I pasted it down below.  By the way, the child actor who played Tim Murphy in Jurassic Park (yup, the kid who got stuck in the car in the tree) is one of the main actors for this mini-series and he's in this trailer.  Honestly, it's weird seeing him as an adult, but I think awesome that he got a role in, what this probably will be, a great mini-series.  Slated for the beginning of 2010 on HBO and costing over $200 million to make (making it the most expensive TV production ever), is "The Pacific".  Till next time.

So I know I haven't written in awhile again and that last year, I complained about V-Day and how it's single's awareness day.  Do I have the same complaint as last year?  Pretty much though I haven't noticed it as much as last year since I've been stuck inside the house for the last 5 days.  Why?  Well, after a bunch of doctor visits, it has come to my attention that I needed minor surgery done to prevent problems down the road.  It's not severe, but does involve an incision plus stitches that makes life difficult for awhile.  Now, anyone who knows me knows about what happened to me 5 years ago so surgery is not completely foreign, but I never thought the dates would be so close to one another where it is literally almost five years on the dot since my last one.  It's interesting how sitting back in hospital bed can bring back a lot of memories (oh yay, needles!) along with how much anesthesia sucks afterwards.  The difference is I could go home after it wore off and didn't have to stay in the hospital.  Still, feeling woozy and off your ass for the rest of that day and part of the next isn't very exciting.

Anyway, so what have I been up to since the start of the year and making it to this V-Day?  Nothing much lol  I know, so exciting right?  The biggest event that occurred was last week I ended up going to my car club's "Winter Car Control Clinic" which was fun, but much more of a serious tone than I wanted it to be.  Now, it isn't about racing and all of that, but we all have powerful cars and are car people.  Focusing on "this is how I want you do this and don't do anything crazy" was kinda a let down.  That day also felt very strange since I just didn't feel like I was in my "driving" mode and kinda just wanted to sleep.  I guess doing a car event in the middle of winter isn't as fun as I thought it would be.  Then again, the strict nature of the subject kinda bleeds "This isn't about fun" which makes sense, but in all honesty, I just got done with work week and on the weekend, I'm taking a serious class on driving when I pretty much want to do a few donuts in a safe environment and break loose the car so I can feel it's limit on snow...again, kind of a let down.  I don't mean go all out on snow of course, but it was heavy on the instructor side and not enough on letting people experiment to feel their car on snow.  I mean, it's still a great event and I did learn some new things, but I just didn't have as much fun as I thought I did.  Oh well though.  My main goal was to support the club in which I did by attending :)

Wow, that went on longer than I thought lol  However, other than that, not much of a rant or ramble.  I guess in these days though, there isn't much to complain about since the economy is still heading downward so you gotta be thankful for the things you do have right now.  Anyway, that's pretty much it for now.  Hope everyone had a great valentine's day or, if you're single, you found a great day :)  Till next time.

 So it's the start of the new year and I haven't written a thing...in all honesty who reads this anymore?  No clue, but it's pretty helpful when you just want to dump your mind out in writing and let whatever be just be.

What's happened in the past 3 months?  Nothing much except I have become more confused and frustrated, but yet at the same time mellow and not high stressed.  In the end, as crazy as life has been at times, I have found a few comforting answers to some of the things I've been wondering over the past 3 years while finding a whole heck of a lot of "WTF" and more questions that don't have an answers.  *Sigh* I guess that's life for ya.

Car club fun run, visit to my college, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years all came and went though everyone just seemed more tense and less happy than the previous years.  I guess with a slow economy and everyone in the mist of wondering "What's going to happen next?" is a big mystery in times of uncertainy, but man is it everywhere.  I am one of the lucky who can say "I have a job" even during a corporate merger (in case anyone hasn't heard, I now work for McAfee) where I'm assured to be keeping my job...for now.  It's an interesting time, but yet I try to simply say "It'll all be ok" in which it will be regardless of what happens because life doesn't stop and neither will I.

If anyone is wondering, nope, I don't have any New Year's resolutions.  Don't know why, but I just don't seem to care enough to create some.  No, my life is not perfect and I don't feel everything is "peachy keen", but I just haven't put thought into it or felt the need to.  It's a new year with new changes on the way and my only hope is to navigate those changes without many aches or pains.  Let's see if that comes true :)

Things to look forward to this year?  I am going to a hockey game in Feb. which will be amazing and, if not, fun.  I went to one this past November and it was my first which was completely worth the money for the experience.  I look forward to this summer where a few more things will happen with the car (faster? better? yes :) ) and where a current predicament of mine should be resolved by then.  I am also comtemplating another vacation so if anyone is reading this and has a recommendation to go somewhere, let me know.  I like to get a few ideas on new places I have not been to before.

I do plan on getting back in the saddle and writing a bit more on this blog since it is here.  The rambling, ranting, and just plain stuff will make it's way back :)  Until next time.

 Hmm...so I just got back from working out and on the way home, I believe I did something stupid as I drag raced some idiot in a VW Golf...

The story goes that I was waiting at a stop light and I didn't even notice the car next to me which was a black VW Golf with tinted windows and one loud ass exhaust.  He pulls up next to me and starts revving his engine.  At first, I wasn't planning on doing anything, but as I accelerated, he did the same and then something just went off inside of me which said "Let's waste his ass" and I shove the pedal all the way down.  Conclusion?  I actually did end up wasting his ass, leaving him behind as he tried to keep up...

Now, I feel a mixture of feelings since one of the things I HATE is street racing and yet I just did something as equally as stupid.  People are at risk, I could literally kill myself, etc...yet I feel a little satisifed because well, I know how fast my car is compared to something.  I have never dragged raced anyone at the track or anywhere else before and this is the first time since I bought the car in '06 since I did something like this.  I feel like I should scold myself while at the same time feel happy that the money I spent into my car (exhaust and tuning) actually paid off...Honestly, it's hard to tell how I feel, but deep down I know shouldn't probably do it again since I have a speeding ticket and stupidity doesn't pay off.  Most likely, this will bite me in the ass later since karma always has the upper hand.  *sigh* I guess I'm a hypocrit, but aren't we all...Well, here's to not doing stupid things again and next time I'll keep my head on straight.  I've been able to for the past year, I just don't really know why I decided to do it tonight.  Feel free to scold me in person or online.  Till next time.

So, it's been 3 months since I've written anything, but in all honesty, there wasn't much to write out.  Life has been "ok" for once without throwing me into a whirlwind of crazy things or anything.  I've been busy however at work and at home, just "living" I guess.  Really can't believe I went the whole summer without a ramble! *gasp*  While I'm not sure who the heck reads this anymore, since I am paying for this, I might as well update it :)

Things that have happened:

- Found a cool little bar to hang out at and just relax
- Upgraded my car's exhaust through a 3 day ordeal
- Received a promotion at work (holy crap, more money?! :D)
- Planned my trip to Knox this upcoming fall for home coming
- Watched the Olympics come and go

I swear, it's odd how fast times goes by, but I guess when you're just living in the moment and taking it day by day, it appears to just happen like that.  While I did enjoy my labor day weekend, I have had back pain throughout that has bothered me a bit.  Doesn't hurt like hell, but just enough to be annoying.  I'm a little worried, but if this lasts through next week, it's time to see a doctor.

Also, the RNC is in town which will probably mean traffic delays here and there along with dealing with all the political climate surrounding Saint Paul.  I hope it doesn't affect my daily commute or even my lunch commute (yup, I eat out every day to get away from the office), but we'll see.  I'll update later with a few more things, but till next time :) 

So, after a long day of resting from whatever the heck I have (it's a very odd cold or something), I've decided to post something more positive. It mainly came into my head as I laid in bed most of the day and reflected on a few things.  So, I have come up with 5 things that I'm grateful for.  So, here goes:

1) Having a great family who is there for me for everything and never lets me forget how much they love me
2) Having decent job right out of college which I will hopefully continue to keep (granted the economy doesn't keep going into the shitter)
3) Being able to afford my dream car at the age of 24 and loving the hell out of it
4) Making enough money to support my ambitions and hobbies (car, computers, etc..)
5) The mistakes I've made because if I didn't make them, I wouldn't have learned and be the person I am today

There are many more things I'm grateful for, but I decided to post the 5 that came into my head first as I thought about stuff.  On a lighter note, I am feeling a little better, but we'll have to see how that goes tomorrow.    Oh and I know it's not thanksgiving, but I don't think you have to only be thankful during that time of year :)  Till next time.

So, when I woke up this morning, I just knew I didn't feel right.  Just something about today was gonna be just plain crap and did that happen?  Oh hell yes.  Today, I was taking a co-worker to Prescott, WI to pick up his car from storage and while that part was fun and the lunch was nice, just something didn't feel right.  What happened?  I managed to procure a parking ticket...a big hefty parking ticket.  You see, I was over in a pretty busy area with a lot of restaurants, neighborhoods, and very little parking.  Everywhere, there were signs for two hour parking and I was mainly concerned with that.  So, when I parked, I only looked for two hour parking, but the spot that I decided to choose was apparently for handicapped people.  Honestly, I have no freaking idea why that spot was considered a handicapped spot since IT WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FUCKING block, but I guessed I parked there.  You see, the post that I parked by had 3 signs on it.  One said "Two hour parking", the other right next to it "This is a snow route" and above those two was, apparently, a handicapped parking sign.  Now, as mentioned before, I was only looking for two signs, either "No parking" and/or the "Two hour". When I saw the "Two hour", I parked.  My mistake I guess. 

Anyway, as I get to my car from lunch with my co-worker, a traffic cop comes up to me and asks me if the car is mine.  I told him "Yes, it is" and he then pointed out to me the handicapped spot.  I was shocked and really had NO IDEA.  I told him I honestly didn't know that it was, explained what I was looking for initially, I wasn't there long, I was not even from the area, and was about to leave.  He didn't give me any slack and said "The sign is in plain view and ignorance is not an excuse" and wrote me a ticket.  So I think to myself "Alright, well a ticket is a ticket and I guess ignorance isn't an excuse, but it can't be as bad as a speeding ticket right?"  WRONG.  When I asked the officer how much is it, he said "$278".  WTF.  Ok, I can see $100 for a parking ticket, but $278?!?!  You gotta be fucking joking me.  I wasn't even there that long (1 hour), about to fucking leave, and I get stuck with the ticket?  Fuck you pal.  My speeding ticket was cheaper than this bullshit and the ONLY thing my parking violation provides is inconvenience for a person who has a disability.  Speeding is 10 times more dangerous and yet it's cheaper?!?  Bull fucking shit.  I don't give the cop any flack since it's not a good idea, but as I left he said "You might want to dispute this in court"  Yea, no shit sherlock.  I ain't paying this crap.  I didn't even speak to the cop afterwards and drove off (civilized of course).

So what do I do now?  Basically, I can do the same shit as with my speeding ticket and go off to a hearing officer and see what can be done.  *sigh*  This shit is utterly retarded and while I should have double or triple checked the signs, it is my fault I parked there.  However, I don't feel it's justified that I have to pay this much for inconveniencing a person.  No disrespect to anyone handicapped, but you're not going to fucking die if a car happens to be parked in a spot.  Also, again, WHY THE FUCK IS IT HANDICAPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF A NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCK AND IS STILL ONLY TWO HOUR PARKING?!  It's just fucking retarded .  The City of St. Paul needs a foot shoved up their asses about this.

Well, I'm all pissed off about this ticket and what also didn't help was trying to do some car work to only find that Subaru decided to put some bolts on in a crazy tight fashion where none of my power tools can do it!  Hooray!  So, yes, I did let this parking ticket ruin my day, but seriously, it's stupid as shit.  Here's hoping I'm not as pissed tomorrow about this or about anything.

So it's been awhile, but here I am, two days away from turning *gasp* 24.  Seriously, where the hell is my life going?  Time goes by soo quickly and I still feel like I don't know what I'm doing lol  Oh well.  I took Monday off to make this a 3 day weekend and while the weather is a bit shitty right now (60 degrees and rainy), it's supposed to clear up by Monday.  People may wonder, what the heck are you going to do?  You have no life :P  Which, I guess, outside of work, my car, video games, and minus the few friends here and there, yea, but eh oh well.  I don't have a big bash or anything planned.  Just one point that I want to get done: Relax.  I've been kinda stressed out lately from work and trying to figure out things.  Mainly, am I going to be moving out of my parent's house anytime soon? (There is good story/reason to that and it may present itself later).  Am I going to be buying another car?  What will happen at work with the layoffs that occurred?  Am I doing a good job?  etc..etc..  So, I plan to let that all leave my mind and just have a good weekend.  So far, I haven't done jack squat lol  I did plan for today (Saturday) to be a day of nothingness since I knew the weather was going to be crap ahead of time.  The only plans I really have is to clean my car and possibly do a wash and wax depending on the weather and eating out with my family for my B-Day.  I haven't asked for anything and in all honesty, I don't really want anyone to get me anything.

Not that I have everything I want, but I don't feel I need much either.  I did just spend $700 towards the WRX for some more mods as my own Birthday present however :)  Oh and about buying another car thing.  I just filled up at $3.81 per gallon with paying $42 in total afterwards so that's why I'm considering a second car to drive daily.  It'll most likely be a Honda and while I'm not frantically searching now, I'm keeping my eye out for good deals.  I will be paying $4.00 per gallon before anyone since I have to fill up with premium.  *sigh* Gas prices have no where to go but up unfortunately.  Well, I'm going to get back to enjoying today the best I can (hmm hockey or to watch a movie? :) ) so till next time.     

So, to rant in a short bit, I've come with up things that sucked throughout this weekend.

1) A toe that won't stop bleeding and hurts just enough so you can't wear shoes
2) Watching the teams you want to win in the NHL playoffs lose
3) Stupid ass drivers who don't know what a turn lane is
4) Fighting those stupid drivers to you get your haircut only to find the place is closed for the day
5) Walking around in sandals in 40 degree weather and getting awkward looks
6) 40 degree weather at the end of April
7) The Best Buy you went to doesn't have what you wanted to buy
8) Did I mention the crappy weather along with SNOW.  SNOW AT THE END OF FUCKING APRIL.  ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!

In short, this weekend blows.  I did play a shit ton of Rock Band so that was fun but I really wanted to go out and get things done.  That will have to be deferred till next weekend.   Till next time.

So it's been awhile since I wrote, but here's what happened with the ticket.  The following Monday (which I had off) I went to the hearing office and see what could be done.  Before I could even told my story, they gave me the option of "deferring" my ticket for a year at which time it would be dismissed from my record.  Insurance doesn't see it and as long as I don't get another moving violation, I'm in the clear!  All I had to pay was $150 in "prosecution fees" and that was it.  Hell, my ticket was $142 so this is much better.  The only down side is that IF I get another ticket, I get hit with both on my record.  Since then, I've been more patient with my driving, but still incline to go fast when I can.  I just don't drive like an ass much as I used to.  So great news for that.

I just got back from my Knox visit yesterday and it was awesome.  I forgot how much I missed the place and also, was able to leave on my own terms (I left on a bad note personally when I graduated).  A BIG thank you to LeeAnn for letting me stay in your room.  It was a great time!  I also got to see a lot of old faces and what really surprised me is that there were more people that remembered me than I thought.  It was refreshing and I feel rejuvenated about a lot things.  It also made me realize how old I'm getting (I know, I know, I'm not that old) and how much I really cherished my college experience.  Hell, the crazy thing is on my way back, I even got to talk to a prospect student who was traveling home from visiting Knox and, lucky for her, she got to ask all the questions about Knox to an alumni.   I believe I have convinced her to go to Knox based on my experiences, but we shall see.

One thing I did come back with is an injured toe.  I was working on LeeAnn's computer and the side cover for it fell on my foot.  It was pretty bad and swelled up good.  It was very painful and I actually traveled all the way back from Knox with it.   I was limping everywhere and finally saw a doc today who put a hole in my toe nail so the blood could drain and relieve the pressure.  Right now, it feels a lot better, but it's still  bleeding and looks horrific.  I bought some $125 sandals (yes, I'm nutts, but I used to wear sandals a lot anyway) to help with the healing process and thank god the temps are going to be in the 60's this week.  Good weather is finally arriving :)

So that's pretty much it and I'm planning on visiting Knox again in the fall since my sis is going for her 5 year reunion.  I'm going to miss the friends who are graduating this year (if you're one of the graduating friends reading this, keep in touch damn it!), but that's life.  The visit was great and I think it was even a greater way to start off spring.  I'm ready for summer and to venture out :)  Till next time.

So, today is a wonderful day where I had a hard day at work and I received my first speeding ticket.  Was I speeding?  Pretty much.  I have no qualms about receiving the ticket since half of the time I can drive like a jerk, but out of all days, it had to be the day when I'm tired, stressed, and just want some peace.  I was going about 80 near my house and normally I know where all the cops are.  Today, I just chose to speed because I wanted to get home faster.  Anyway, so right when I'm 100 yards away from my exit, I spend up to 80 to just get there a little faster and right around a bend on the shoulder was a state trooper.  Busted.  I ended up getting off on my exit but stopped so the officer could give me my ticket.  Surprisingly, he was very nice and I was very honest with him.  He asked me how fast I was going, I said 75ish and told me he clocked me at 78 in a 60 mph zone (it drops to 55 later, I know).  Asked me why I was driving that fast and I told him that it was pretty much stupid and I was just driving fast (honest truth).  He went away, took about 10 minutes to process my ticket, and just told me "Alright, well have a good night and watch your speed please."

I was expecting something worst, but now I have a $142 speed ticket to wrestle with.  My options are that I either just pay the ticket or see a hearing officer and see if I can get the ticket taken off my record provided that I don't get anymore moving violations for the next year.  I think I'm going to try to take that route since I don't mind paying for the ticket, but I really don't want my insurance going up.  In reflection, my aggressive driving needs to be toned down and hopefully I can do it.  Still, suckiness since today at work I was really stressed out from all the calls and all I wanted was to be home and relax before I switch over my shift to overnights for rotation.  Hooray...  We'll just have to wait and see how this goes.  Worst comes to worst, I pay the ticket and it goes on my record.  As the saying goes, you pay to play. 

So this is going to be a rant, but a short one since I know this and don't feel like dedicating too much energy to something not worth my time.  What I decided to do tonight was to play some Halo 3 and do a little relaxing.  What I completely forgot about was it's Friday night and all the fucking kids are out and about meaning immaturity is everywhere.  So what happens?  We're playing a game type called Grifball (possibly the best name ever for a game type) and a lot of what can happen is you can kill your own teammates.  It's usually no biggy until you meet the one asshole who keeps killing you.  I was leading the team in points and all of a sudden, I hear one of the fucking teenagers say "Hey Sky, let someone else score points" which I actually ignored.  Mainly because I WAS THE ONLY ONE ABLE TO SCORE and my team is incompetent.  So, I ignored his request and then he just starts killing me...every time I spawn.  Just waits and kills me.  WTF.  So wait, you want to lose instead of helping and getting with the program?  Two rounds later, the game is over and all I hear about is him bitching that I kept scoring.  This kid is a fucking retard.  We won the game and he complains that he didn't score.  Maybe if he didn't spend so much time killing me, he might have had a fucking chance to score.  I naturally told the kid to fuck off multiple times (yes I said that) and mind his own shit.

I left the lobby of that game and went to join another which happened to also be full of 12 year olds who take the game WAY too seriously.  I'm running along and accidentally kill one of my guys because he's an idiot and steps in front of me.  What does he bitch about?  "SKY!  WHY DID YOU KILL ME?"  Dude, you fucking STEPPED in front of me when I was firing off you dipshit.  Then these kids start talking to each other, trying to figure out if I'm actually part of the party they've set up.  How retarded do you have to be if you don't remember who the fuck you invited to play in your party?  I'm the 4th person on a 4 person team playing with a 3 person party...OF COURSE I'M THE RANDOM GUY WHO GOT STUCK WITH YOU YOU FUCKNUTT.  Are you seriously that fucking stupid?  After that game (we lost horribly because the 12 years old wouldn't shut up and kept complaining they weren't winning rather than trying to win), I shut off my Xbox and felt like I wanted to punch something.

What am I bitching about?  Honestly, immature teenagers and 12 year olds need to either fucking die or grow up and quit their bitching.  Just because you're online doesn't mean you have to act like a retarded ass dumbfuck.  If I ever meet these kids' parents, I'm going to bitch slap them for raising horseshit children.  They're seriously horseshit and utterly a waste.  Yea I know I'm being harsh, but if you just went through the shit I went through, you be pissed to.  Actually, the best solution to all of this is something Xbox live gamers have been crying out for: AGE MATCHING.  When I play online, I'd like to play with people my age.  Not with some high pitched, stupid shitfuck 12 year old who I want to kill (literally) as soon as I hear their voice.  What's so hard about this?  We put in our ages when we sign up for Xbox live, so how can age matching be difficult?  Allow us to turn it on or off and have some fun with people our age who appreciate the game the same way we do.  People who are in their mid-20's don't spend 90% of their day playing video games like kids do so why the hell would we want to be paired with them?  Doesn't make a whole lot of sense.  Well, that's my ramble.  Thanks to anyone who has read this and sympathizes with me.

So, if you're one of my friends locally, you already know this news, but this is for everyone else.  I have just recently found out that I'm allergic to the antibotic they have given me, broke out in hives/rash, and now I'm off the drug, recovering.  All I can say is "Wow" and I mean, I'm not appalled that this has happened...just think it's quite shitty to go to the doctor to solve one problem and then having another come out on top of it.  Oh well though.  The good news is that despite the doctor informing me that "it'll get worst before it gets better", it has actually gotten a lot better over the past 24 hours.  The "spots" from the rash are still there, but they're disappearing at a slow rate and it doesn't itch that much anymore.  I should be back to normal by the end of the week :)

In other news, I'll be returning to Knox for a visit from April 8th-12th.  It's time to visit some friends and keep my promise that they would see me again.  Till next time.

This is going to be a short one again, but oh well.  First off, let me say I'm finally getting over my sickness and stomach crapiness after a long week.  Only took a visit to the doctor and some antibiotics, but I'm 90% on the way back to normal...suffice some coughing and sneezing out all the crap that has accumulated.  Also, since I was sick, I was finally able to catch up on one of the few animes (actually, I think it's the only one right now) that I pay attention to.  Awhile ago, I rambled at how much I hate filler and not too long after that, I gave up Bleach for about 4 months since I got tired of random side tracking.  What I didn't know was that I stopped at the point where things were just beginning to return back to the main story and I shouldn't have stopped.  When I finally dove back into it, I found myself 30 eps behind and just dug in and watched.  While the majority of it was completely faithful to the manga, there was a tiny bit of filler, but in all honesty, it wasn't bad filler at all.  It was pretty decent and related 100% as to what the hell was going on in the anime.  The series is now set at episode 161 and with the manga about 10 anime episodes ahead, it looks VERY promising to watch the upcoming episodes if they're anything like the manga (which they should be).  So, I guess I'm quite surprised and actually very pleased with progress of the show.  It's back on track, 100% worth watching, and nail biting thus far.  Oh god I hope they don't screw this up.  Till next time.

P.S.  LeeAnn, we need to chat at some point about my visit :P  Give me a call when you have some time!

Short ramble here, but my acid reflux is getting better however...I now seem to have the Flu or a very messed up cold.  Are the two related?  Right now, I'm thoroughly confused and awake at 2 in the morning because of the damn caffeine in my Sudaphed pills.  Oh joy.  My sinuses feel like they're going to explode, I'm achy as all hell, and my stomach hasn't fully recovered.  So I'm on a light diet AND sick.  How awesome is that?  Actually, what I really wonder is if these are the side affects to me taking Prilosec for my stomach since when I started taking the drug, these "symptoms" started to occur.  However, doing a bit of research, it isn't listed that sinuses and Flu like symptoms would occur.  Feeling nauseated and fatigue is, but all this body aching and sinus pressure?  Hmm...well I "think" (and hope) this is the last stretch of whatever the hell this is as I believe I just went through the worst today.  If I don't get better by Monday though, a doctor's appointment might be necessary since it would be almost a week since I felt like crap.  I know they would probably just prescribe me some medication, but I'm also wondering if I'm fighting some sort of infection that has managed to move around my body.  We shall see though and honestly, I hope I'm alright by Monday.  I have one more day of resting to find out...

So I just came to realization that I'm going to be 24 this coming May and it scares the crap outta me.  I have also realized that I have begun to experience the variety of effects that come with getting older aka health issues.  While it's not terrible or crippling, I have realized that in the past year, I experience my first migraine in over 10 years and currently I'm dealing with acid reflux...something I never had a problem with before but heard of it all the time from my parents.  It just shows that I'm not as young as I used to be even though I know, mid-20s isn't old, but I still feel like the 18 year old, hard headed son of a gun that I once was.  I guess the upside is that I do feel I have grown in my experiences and I don't regret them, but damn it, everything is changing.  I guess I just don't like change and in all honesty, change scares me.  Oh well I guess because nothing is going to stop change and it's just going to keep on happening.  Anyway, a short ramble, but I have had a lot of time to think since this whole acid reflux knocked me on my ass for a few days and I've been feeling like crap :(  I'll post something more meaningful later.  Till next time.

So this is my 3rd V-Day alone coming up here and while that doesn't really bother me, I always have the same gripe:  the commercialization of Valentines Day.  Now while this year may not be as bad as previous years, I still get peeved by this.  Random things get posted as "Buy this crap for you loved one" and I swear everything has to be painted pink, red, or white for this one little day.  Yesterday, I was browsing the net and I found Western Digital to be making special Valentine's Day external hard drives in those colors, commenting how you should buy it for your significant other.  Now, honestly, I don't know how many women would like an external hard drive for Valentine's Day and I hardly think of it as a "romantic" present.  If it's for women buying presents for their boyfriends or husbands, you better not get the freaking pink color because I guarantee they will not use it outside of the house. 

Now, I don't have anything against V-Day.  It's a great day to show how much you appreciate your significant other, but with all the stores advertising up the ass just to get you to buy their crap, it can really point out things to singles that "Hey, guess what you lonely person, you're single!" even though it's not their intent.  Of course, I believe there are stores that should be exempted from my rant like jewelry stores, candy stores, and flower stores.  I know it may be a bit sexist in some cases, but IMHO jewelry is always something that is nice to get a woman and I have rarely seen it go unappreciated.  Candy can always compliment a nice dinner out as well as flowers.  I guess it's the "aw that's sweet" factor that plays into them.  However, lingerie stores need to take a step back.  Now, if you're single, you are most likely not getting any action and I swear these stores like to point this crap out to you.  Scantily clad women on large photos with all the sexy trinkets and the words "Valentine's Day" all across it isn't helpful.  Victoria's Secret is the number one offender in this category for me and I what want to say is "Wow, thank you for reminding me that I haven't been laid in 2 years.  I really appreciate it.  You know, I'll even put that at the top of my list right below finding a woman since that's a requirement.  Oh and I'll keep in mind that when Valentine's Day night arrives and I've gotten into my bed to sleep that somewhere all the couples I've met, saw, or know probably had sex already or better yet, having it right now.  Thank you soo much" *thumbs up gesture*  I know, I know, maybe I'm letting this get to me a little, but if you're consistently reminded, you can't help but get a little irritated.

To wrap up this post, what I implore couples to do on V-Day is not to fall into the materialistic side and buy "presents", but to really show how much that someone means to you, do something special.  It can be anything from going out to an expensive restaurant to a nice home cooked meal with wine involved.  Hell even a refreshing walk outside where you talk, laugh, and spend time together counts.  Just don't take the day for granted and take the time do something special.  As for singles, do what you wish as long as you don't let the day get to you :)  Oh and if you're single and don't even give a rats ass, then I have to congratulate you.  You are probably one of the few I know who isn't bothered to any extent.  Well, till next time.

A bit tired here, but I have returned from Vegas last night at midnight.  Wow, I must say, I had a great time and I will be going back at some point.  From the Bellagio fountains to the Tournament of Kings to Fremont Street, all of of it was awesome.  However, the best part of the trip for me was Friday night where we saw The Beatles Love.  It was everything I wanted and then exceeded my expectations with a wonderful performance by Cirque De Soleil.  I was one of the few people at the end to stand up and applause because I loved the show that much.  I'm pretty sure it looked weird though that a 23 year old person could find this much enjoyment from a show like this (come on, The Beatles was 40 years ago!), but the music came together with the acrobatics and dancing.  No wonder why this show is one of the most popular on the Vegas Strip.  I have the soundtrack for the show where they remixed 130 of the Beatles music into 26 tracks on a CD.  I can't get enough of the music :)

Another thing I have to mention is the food is SPECTACULAR in Vegas.  Averaging $40 per meal though, it better be XD  I swear I ate so much, but I ended up walking soo much that I think I offset that completely.  I had Sushi, Beef Wellington, Steak, Prime Rib, Japanese Curry, and even more that I can't remember but just all of that over the course of 3 days!  I'm still in awe over the food and don't regret a single place that I ate at.  However, one place that was the best in the whole trip: The Buffet at the Bellagio.  It's name is actually "The Buffet" naming it the ultimate buffet on the Vegas strip and it definitely earned it.  If you're ever in Vegas, you have to go it.  It is an all you can eat gourmet food buffet and my mouth is watering at remember the experience.

There is plenty more I can ramble about for Vegas, but I have to run some errands lol  Anyway, pictures were taken with my Dad's camera (I didn't use mine), but I will be posting them up later.  Till then, all you need is Love!

So, I'm about to head to bed, but just a brief update:  I'm having a great time.  I got jet lagged somehow for a day, but other than that, it's been a great time.  I just got tickets to the Beatles Love show that I posted about earlier and I'm 100% ecstatic about it.  The show is at 10 PM on Friday night and I know it'll be a blast.  I'll be back home Saturday at midnight.  Till then, HELL YEA VEGAS!!

Hmm about 3 weeks since the last post...interesting.  Well, late Happy New Year to everyone and I hope people didn't get too drunk.  I ended up just hanging around because well...it's just another freaking year :P  So, anything new?  Well, if there was something exciting in my life, I would have posted it awhile ago so the answer would be no.  Though I have fought off a bit of depression that's been lying around (thinking way too much about crap will do that to ya), but I'm managing.

Anyway, as for a few updates, one of the things I'll be doing next week is doing my LONG overdue trip to Vegas.  I've been talking about a vacation since San Diego and now it's time to actually go somewhere lol  It kinda came out last minute when my parents asked me "We're going to Vegas.  Want to come along?"  I figure why the hell not and I might as well go somewhere warmer and with a bit more sun.  Besides, I've heard nothing but good things about the food in Vegas so I will be making a trip there.  Also, there's a show that I've been wanting to see which is "Love" and features music from the Beatles.  I saw a preview of it at some point somewhere and since then, I've been wanting to see the show.  If you're interested, just google "love vegas" and you'll find it.  It's the first entry.  Other than that, I'm just happy to get a small break from things and go somewhere.  Not that life has been horrible or anything.  It's just really gotten monotonous with work and daily life.

Another side note (which may or may not fly with my more liberal friends) is that I'll be taking a firearms safety course and considering purchasing a firearm.  Why?  Well, the firearms safety course is just so I'm safe around guns since I go shooting with my friend every now and then.  It's a good way to waste 2 hours, just shooting some 2 liter water bottles from 100 yards and watching them explode.  Purchasing the whole gun thing though has always been in the back seat of my mind.  It's not necessarily for self defense and I don't plan on going hunting or killing things.  I just find them interesting.  I'm not going for some small hand gun either (though a USP .45 would be nice), but for a civilian assault rifle.  Yup, you read it right.  A civilian assault rifle.  I know, it sounds like overkill and well nutts, but those guns intrigue me.  The design, the way you hold the weapon, aiming, the fire power, it just appeals to me.  Of course, I don't plan on holding up a small fort and yea, an assault rifle sounds pretty intense, but trust me, this is NOT military grade.  Again, civilian models for recreation use.  It'll be a few months before I even get to purchase one and things can still change, but I'm just thinking about it.  To me, it would be the same if I bought a bow and arrow to do archery with every now and then.

Other than that, there is still some more planning to be done.  I'm actually trying to see if I can plan another vacation trip somewhere during April though again, the question is where and with who.  I am also happy to say I've been more proactive in my workout ethic the past few weeks and finally visiting the gym more than twice a week :)  I feel much better though my left knee has taking a small beating for some reason (need to keep an eye on that), but I'm also mixing up things.  No longer do I run for 3 miles but more of a run for .75, uphill walk for .75 and then the elliptical for a mile.  A pretty good workout that isn't hard on my legs, but works them out appropriately.  Anyhoo, that's the update on life.  I will probably take photos in Vegas and will post them on my impending return.  Hope everything is great where you're at.  Till next time.