Things Aren't Always What They Seem...

Six for Six

2007-06-15T15:30:00.001-04:00

I chose the theme of animals....they're all pretty self-explanatory this month...aren't they cute?!?!?! :-)

Five for Five - The Cinco de Drinko Edition

2007-05-10T12:20:00.000-04:00

Ahhh....gotta love the Cinco de Drinko....

I have to admit....I have taken up the art of the drink again lately, and have had some WILD times...my poison of choice....PATRON!!!! The SMOOTHEST, SWEETEST tequila you could ever try....I just need to learn to limit myself to the single digits when imbibing....some expensive shit! :-)

OK...I didn't drink this WHOLE bottle by myself....but we DID go thru this gigantic bottle worth about 110 bucks! As well as the 50 dollar bottle I brought!!!! YIKES!!!
Look...it's Amy being dirty....like she does....
Ahhh....the classy presentation of the bottle....
Andrew giving us what, for?! YO BOY!!! (He had a lot too!) That margarita in his hand is probably 2/3 tequila....
Ryan being artistic....I imagine this is how most of us felt that night....

YAY!!!! I'm FINALLY caught up! :-)

Four for Four...

2007-05-10T12:12:00.000-04:00

I warn you now...this month is PRETTY boring...

It was Carrie's Birthday this week....we went to the Orlando Brewing Co...this randomly placed local brewery in a sketchy part outside of downtown Orlando....they brought her up onstage to sing "Happy Birthday" to her....these pics were all taken from my cell phone...hence the crap quality...
Carrie bouncing along....
Is she going to join them and sing????
...she is....a little....

Three for Three continued...

2007-05-10T12:09:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the delay...

Here is the rest of March.... :-)

It's Missy...a random night at Amy and Andrew's before she leaves town...

...and Amy....same random night

Pretty boring day...except for the fact that I got inked! :-)

Three for Three...

2007-03-05T14:37:00.000-05:00

OK...I will post the other two pics afterward...but wanted to get this one up on the site for you to see...(I'll forewarn you...the other two aren't anything fancy...I always seemed to NOT have my camera on me at the moment I was doing things throughout the day! UGH!)

Yes...that's right...after YEARS of decision-making and postponing, I have FINALLY joined the ranks of the INKED!!!

I got it done on Saturday morning, at a place called INKREDIBLE INK. It took two full hours to complete...not as painful as I thought it would be (which was a relief!)...the spine was probably the worst part, but some of the fill-in was tough, too.

The meanings....the bird is a Phoenix, which represents "life/rebirth"...the four Japanese kanji are: earth, wind, water, and fire.

It's a little larger than I was anticipating, as well...but they had to blow it up to make the kanji legibile.

It's also a work-in-progress...would like to build on it over the years, as a representation of my life...things that are important to me, my past, etc....yeah, who knew I was this deep! :-P

Still in a little bit of shock that I went thru with it...but happy, nonetheless! It is pretty painful right now...can already feel it starting to blister/itch under the skin....AND I CAN'T TOUCH IT!!!! Oh well...only 10 more days of this, right?! YIKES! :-)

2 for 2...

2007-02-03T19:29:00.000-05:00

Here are my entries:

I FINALLY have Friday-Saturday's OFF again, and can hang out with non-Disney friends on the weekend!!!! YAY!!! Here are Missy and Amy...being naughty, like usual...yes, that's a tasty cream puff in Amy's mouth... :-)
...and, like Sudie, I have pics of my babies up every month! :-) They had a better pose, but the damn dog moved while I was taking the photo, so it came out blurry...and then the cat moved, so I ended up with this one...

See you next month!

1 for 1

2007-01-08T15:01:00.000-05:00

Well, this month was certainly easy....and I'd say the pic sums up the whole experience...

This is me in Winter Park, CO....all bundled up while we go tubing down the giant snow hill...not sure if you can tell, but those tiny things in the background are the people at the bottom of the hill...it was AWESOME!!!!! I think the temp got up to 40 degrees that day...which is good...considering it was only 5 degrees when we left the bar on NYE the night before!!!!

12 for 12

2007-01-08T14:45:00.000-05:00

Here they are...sorry for the delay...

This is the last thing I see before getting out of my car and facing the day...it's 8:58am...this is NOT my time of day...
Oh, goody....another fun-filled day at Woody's f-in Cowboy Camp!
These are two co-workers - Carmen and Allen Kee....she actually works right next me...he works in scheduling....yeah...they'll have pretty children, indeed...
It wouldn't be a day without time in front of the television...not sure what's on there...can't make it out too clearly...
It wouldn't be a posting without the animals...Zen taking a bath...

A little Xmas decor on the stairwell......and the triumphant Xmas tree this year!Daddy, let me in the house...quit taking those damn, stupid pics of me!!!Look...the kitchen's clean!!!! It actually stays pretty clean, most of the time...the dishes to the side are ones I use on a daily basis, so they pretty much live there...Yes, it's December 12th, and it's 78 degress in my house!!!!! (The display is set to heat, because it was cold the night before....it was only set to 70....so the current reading is what the god-awful hot day has done to my home!)

Zen waiting for his bedtime treat...
Trisity says it's time for bed....g'night! :-)

Eleven / Eleven...part two...

2006-11-14T15:11:00.000-05:00

Yeah....shock me, shock me....I had to create another one...

This is Ariel and Cliff (Wendy's boyfriend)....as you can see, Cliff is having to support Ariel by this point...and who the hell gave him another beer?!?!?!?!?!

This is Ariel and his wife, Rocio....because of the shirt, he kept calling her the "Chinese Lady" all night...

And here we are toward the end of the night...not sure if he's on water at this point, but he certainly should be!!!!

And the sad part to the whole story....the bastard woke up the next morning....FELT 100% FINE!!!! No hangover or anything....

....I hate those people....

Eleven for Eleven

2006-11-14T14:37:00.000-05:00

Here's hoping this post goes better than past experiences!!!

In honor of the date, I dedicate this is as the... "JESS LANEY BIRTHDAY EDITION!!!!" Ironically enough...we celebrated my friend Ariel's birthday on this day....MAN, was he WASTED!!! And, kind of ironic....cause his name is Ariel, and that's from Jess-Laney's favorite movie!!!!

So, enjoy....

The calm before the storm...Ariel enjoys his cake...
A sign of things to come...a quick backstory...Ariel DOES NOT DRINK....EVER!!!! But when he does, he tears it up! This right here was the first of FIVE tequilla shots he did at his house (in about 30 minutes or less). Then, we were off to the bar (Kitty O'Shea's, the popular haunt) where he had at LEAST five more beers! The guy on the left is Bill - I haven't seen him in OVER TEN YEARS!!! The guy on the right is my roommate, Andy. He has a podcast with some friends from work...VERY funny...and you don't have to have an I-Pod to listen to it...check it out: The Brilliant Mistake A weird six degrees of separation thing....Bill and his wife met Ariel and his wife at their apartment building about four years ago...I worked with Bill at Earthquake at Universal Studios, back in high school! And here we are now...Bill is a married with a two yr old son! Small world, indeed...

This is Phil...a buddy of ours from work...he really wasn't hammered...that's just Phil!

Yeah...Ariel's feeling no pain...I, however, am since I'm babysitting the drunk man until his wife finally joins us!

This is Wendy....she's doing a buttery nippple shot out of Lori's...well, nipple area...Jess, you met Wendy...she's from Bama, too (ah, that Bama pride...see above photo!)...she was with us at Horror Nights in 2005.

This is Ariel and Tony (the internet lesbian....listen to The Brilliant Mistake and you'll get the joke)....

This is Lori and Wendy, without their faces in one another's breasts....
The two buds....me and Phil...."what's up, BUUUUU-DDY?!"

STUPID M-F-IN BLOGGER!!!

2006-10-19T12:09:00.000-04:00

Here is the last one....wouldn't let me do them all at once...AGAIN!!!!

More Woody's Cowboy Camp....

Ten for Ten....these kinda suck

2006-10-19T11:49:00.000-04:00

Here are this month's photos.....I warn you....I was late, and kind of making this up (plus, the batteries were low on the camera) so....here they are....completely here and unoriginal...

The first seven pics are of our new offering, "Woody's Cowboy Camp"...Woody, Jesse, Bullseye, and their singing cowboy friend Sam, greet guests in Frontierland, where they dance up a storm, and teach everyone the new-fangled dance, the Hokey Pokey....man, my job is a joke sometimes....

This is my humble workspace...

These are my precious animals being cute....

This is the wonderful place where I park each day....sometimes, I'm lucky enough to actually park backstage....ooo....

And there they are....they suck...I know....next month will be better, if I remember.... ;-)

Nine for Nine...part deux...AGAIN!!!!

2006-09-12T20:23:00.000-04:00

Here is the second half....so go for the other entry first....cause now they're out of order.... :-(

Here we are setting up for Night of Joy...and when I say "we", I mean the crew...cause after all, I am a manager...it's not like we work! ;-) Sadly, this gigantic blue tent had to be erected (he he, I said erected) because of the impending rain....and the fact that we STILL want to have a show...looks like crap, huh?!The positive side of working events...WE GET FED!!!! Tonight's meal consisted of glazed pork, bbq chicken breasts, black beans and rice, green beans, salad, a roll, and a brownie...mmmm....

This is what I see as I leave late at night (at 2am this time)....yes, it's not "technically" 9-9 anymore, but I'm still continuing my day, so it counts....

And here I am, back at good old Stone Creek....aka, home sweet home....(ALABAMA!!!)

See you next month....

Nine for Nine....

2006-09-12T20:09:00.000-04:00

And here begins this month's pics...

Each day begins with a healthy breakfast - today's menu comes from the Abs Diet book (which I am attempting, and doing quite well with, I must say)....a breakfast burrito with egg, cheese, turkey, and avocado, all rolled into a nice tasty whole wheat tortilla. YUMMY!!! I round it out with a whole wheat toaster waffle, smothered with peanut butter, and "fresh" (recently thawed) raspberries and blueberries....all topped off with a glass of V8! Oh yeah...and when I say breakfast, keep in mind that it's 2pm in the afternoon, because I've working VERY late nights for Night of Joy - a big Christian concert that takes place at Magic Kingdom every September.

After breakfast, it's off to the couch to watch a little TV before work....now, I'm watching a pre-recorded (thank you, FiVo) Foo Fighters concert from DirecTV.

While I watch the Foo, I take in my weekly dose of Entertainment Weekly...
Before I head to work, Mom stops by so I can see the dog (she's stays at their house when I work overnights....they're a little obsessed with her)....as you can see, she's probably chastising me for something ridiculous...clean house, vacuum, yard, cat's litter cage, etc....
As I head to work, off in the distance I can see the impending doom that will become that evening's rainstorm...

And you'll have to move to the top now....cause I can't seem to add any more pics!!!!!! >:

Eight for Eight....part deux...

2006-08-09T12:17:00.000-04:00

OK...for some reason this damn thing is SAYING my pics are being added, but when I go back to my Create screen, nothing is there...so...part two...

This the corner of the Main Street Emporium...the biggest...and busiest gift shop at Magic Kingdom! It's the last thing guests see on their way out, with the last chance to get all of their souvenirs! (and it also comes with a part of my finger, hence the strange blockage at the bottom of the screen!)

A view up Main Street...modeled to look like Walt's home town in....Indiana (?)...(sad, I should know that...)

A store-front window display at the Emporium....Jess-Laney's favorite movie, "The Little Mermaid"...I've always been fascinated by these windows since I was a kid...they go to such detail to make them. They used to be based on our current hit animated movie....sadly, we haven't had one of those (non-computer) in awhile... :-(

This is the Main Street Train Station - guests walk under this to the sides to enter the park. They recently added an atrium to the back of this....pretty cool. Didn't realize when I took the photo, but that's my co-worker Marianne off to the right...

This is a statue of Walt and Minnie....it sits right in the middle of the hub of Town Square...just before you start the walk up Main Street to the castle!

So....there's this month's photo tour...pretty cool to see it at night, with no guests in the park!

Eight for Eight...

2006-08-09T11:51:00.000-04:00

So...as you can see, the blog has been re-opened, but under a new premise....

My friend, Jess-Laney, who has been mentioned in earlier blogs, has gotten a group of us to begin taking a number of pics on the day of the month that also coincides with the month number (make sense...Bueller?!...eight pics on 08-08, nine on 09-09, etc.)...

Here is this month's installment....I call it....

MK AT NIGHT....

This is Cinderella's Castle...it is currently decorated for our "50 Years of Magic" Celebration, which will end this October (hopefully, the nice decor will not!) Inside there is a really crappy green room that has been there for years - it's under construction right now for a new guest experience, being touted as "Night of Dreams", or something along those lines....basically, it's being renovated into a nice little hotel suite, and some lucky guest (not sure if it's by $$$ or random selection) will get to spend the night IN Cinderella's Castle! It kicks off in January of 2007....

This statue of Walt and Mickey stands in the Castle hub in front of....the Castle! They have since re-done the height scale, but it used to be, that when you would look at this statue from Walt's right side, Mickey's nose was placed just right so that it looked like Walt's penis....yes, that's right...his penis....

This is City Hall, located on the left side of Town Square when you first enter the park. This is where our Guest Relations area lives - and there's also a restroom on the right...("there's a bathroom on the right..." ;-)

2005-10-25T09:32:00.000-04:00

IS HE STILL ALIVE?!

The answer is YES - the storm has passed, and luckily for my neck of the woods, it is as if nothing ever happened. At 9am it was overcast, windy, and rainy, and by 2pm, the skies were clear blue, the sun was shining....AND FALL WAS FINALLY HERE!!!! HOORAY!!!! Today it is a nice, chilly high of 68 degrees. WOOHAA!!!!! I'm SOOO glad it's finally here!

Why haven't you been keeping up with your blog?! Honestly...I haven't had much to say or share, and I really haven't felt like it....I have a friend in town this week, so not sure when I'll be getting to that site about my vacation....?????

Soon, friends....soon.....

2005-10-17T17:30:00.000-04:00

Better late than never....

Where have you been, you might be asking?! As I mentioned in the past, I was prepped for a fun-filled weekend with a multitude of friends. Since the schedule was so busy, and sleep was often a commodity, it was very difficult to find time to post. So...to recap my weekend (I'll go back and add photos later)

Friday night was the beginning of the adventure-weekend, with an annual trip to Halloween Horror Nights. In attendance: Me, Jess-Laney, Derek (the b-day boy!), Murph, Carlton, Jim & Clay, Scott, Wendy, Tommy, Ariel & Rucio, and Robert & his mother (whew!). Yes, it was a big group, but we managed to have a great time (we're very picky about our friends), and got to see EVERY HOUSE!!! That's right! For the first time in years, it was SOOOOO dead for a Friday night. The longest line we stood in was just over 30 minutes, and that was for Dueling Dragons, the coaster! The longest house line was 20 minutes! Even the Mummy only had a 10 min wait. We couldn't believe it....but we also weren't complaining. This year's event held up to years past - nothing really stood out, but it was still fun to attend and hang out with the group. However, this was the first year that I was VERY disappointed in their Bill & Ted show. First of all, the guy who plays Bill has been doing it for as far back as I can remember. This year's Ted was not too good. The main focus was Willy Wonka, since that was a big hit this year. Of course, they added lots of flesh, and even more four-letter words than usual (staying away from the BIG ones, of course). I have to say, though....their casting REALLY SUCKED!!!! Most of the people looked NOTHING like their characters (does Terri Hatcher REALLY have that big old fupa?!); um, yeah....Brad Pitt has blonde hair....and Fat Albert is fat ALL over...not just his waist! Come on Universal...we know you're not pushing for a Tony Award here, but at least give your audience the benefit of the doubt!

Saturday consisted of EPCOT's 10th Annual Food & Wine Festival....what can I say?! The weather was in our favor, and it was a GREAT day to hang out with friends around World Showcase. In attendance: Me, Jess-Laney, Derek, Dave-Iskra, Aaron & Melanie, Wendy, Mark & Danielle (accompanied by 5-week old baby Savyna), Phil, Al & Beau, and Corey & Terri. Again, a big group, but a fun group. There were lots of stops along the way....we all said it had been years since we took that much time to get around the entire lagoon. LOVE the weather! I really didn't see anything new that stood out on the food front this year - I kind of stuck to the old favorites. I will definitely go back before the end, however, so that I can try more food. For less than 20 bucks, I was able to have quite a nice selection of food: potato leek soup & flourless chocolate cake from Ireland; a Scandinavian meatball from...Scandinavia; lamb from Australia; and escargot (my yearly favorite), quiche lorraine, & chocolate creme brulee from France. YUMMY!!!!

That night, despite our afternoon of eating, it was back to my place for a BBQ. Nothing wild and crazy - no stories to tell. Overall, I think (hope) Derek had a good time and enjoyed himself! The chocolate strawberry ice cream cake was DELICIOUS!!!! (Thanks to our friends Kristan, Angela, Jamie, and Wendy, who work at Cold Stone for getting their discount...and the cake!!) We also had a chance to break in the firepit that night....I'm very happy to say it was a success (the neighborhood is still standing). Too bad the mosquitoes were a problem...I'll need to figure out how to resolve that for future use.

Jess-Laney and I did Sea World on Sunday (haven't been there in ages!). Saw some new shows....they are definitely trying to be more theatrical, and also very Cirque....good attempt, but still not there. It's basically a nice park to spend the day and relax...the few rides are fun, but they're not the focus.

So, I'm back to the land of blog....oh! There is a link on the right for my trip....site is still "under construction". Hopefully, I can get to it tonight or tomorrow night, following work!

P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AL!!!!!

2005-10-12T19:18:00.000-04:00

A tribute to the fall of another bachelor....

I spoke with my best buddy Timmy (TIM-MAY!!!) today, who lives with his fiance near LA in California. Next summer, the two of them are going to be getting married here in St. Pete, FL., and I have been given the honor of being a member of their wedding party as one of the best men/groomsmen (he's got four guys who are important to him for different reasons, so we all share the title). Since the four of us aren't in the same area, and don't know each other well (or haven't kept in touch since college), a bachelor party will most likely take place once he and his birde-to-be arrive the week prior to the wedding. So...

...since Timmy and I are very close, I wanted to do something special with just him and I. We talked on the phone today, and he's all for it! The ideal trip would be a long weekend trip over to Amsterdam (believe it or not, tickets are VERY cheap during the spring, due to all of the college students). More realistically, however, I've decided to fly out west (since I LOVE CA!!!), and he and I are going to do a buddy road trip up the west coast. With the help of my friend, mapquest, I've determined that it will only take us about 20 hours to get from LA to Vancouver (aka, Amsterdam state-side). Along the way, we'll make some pit stops - San Fran, Napa (can't miss out on wine country), Portland, Seattle....if we make it as far as Vancouver, that will be great, but I'd like to at least make it to Seattle - I've always wanted to travel up the west coast and see the scenery: mountains, oceans, etc. Depending on how much time that takes, we may make a quick jaunt over to Vegas to catch a show...hey, if you're all the way out west, Vegas really isn't too far!

For those wondering "why no pics or info from your overseas trip?!" Well, since there is SO much information to share, and SOOO many pics, I've decided to create a second blog that is strictly dedicated to the trip. It's not up and running, yet, but as soon as I dedicate some time and energy to it, I'll be sure to provide the link.

Jeff #2 seems to have fun quotes to share, or "things he knows for sure" each week....maybe I'll have to enlist the concept of imitation being the highest form of flattery and snag some of his ideas for my own creative license...

2005-10-11T22:34:00.000-04:00

Day by day, I grow as a species....

Thanks to the assistance of Jeff #2, I have now added some enhancements to my site. Not only do I have the long-awaited picture added to my profile, but I have also learned to create hyperlinks to other friend's pages!!! (If you click on #2's name, it will take you to his blog!)

What else is new in my world....downstairs right now, I am putting last week's episode of WEEDS on DVD, so that I can watch and burn the season finale!!!! The previews make it look like a good one! Mom and Dad leave for a well-deserved, quick getaway tomorrow - they're off to the land of Tennessee....it's right up BOTH their alleys...believe me! And it doesn't hurt that there is a big craft fair going on in Gatlinburg (sp?) as well. Safe travels!!!! (Which means I have NO assistance with the "kids", Zen and Trisity, this weekend...the need pics up here, too, don't they!)

A rare moment of peace between the two critters! If only this would happen more often. And as much as you'd like to blame the cat for being the "older" and more spoiled sibling, it's the youngster that causes most of the trouble. Lately, however, the tables have turned, and it's a moment pictured to my left, beginning with an innocent bathing, that turns into a grab at the neck...ahh...animals!!!!

I believe this brings me to my close...only a mere couple of days before Jess-Laney arrives!!! (fer real doh!)

Until next time we meet.....

2005-10-09T20:41:00.000-04:00

No rest for the weary...

Well, it's back-to-work Monday for me! Which also means I won't be getting any "day off" rest for a couple of weekends. Yes, that's right....so begins the 30th birthday week for Derek Crabbs!!! Fortunately, I have some night shifts this week, so I'll be able to sleep a little later in the mornings. :-)

Jess-Laney arrives around noon on Friday, and it's non-stop until Monday! As I've mentioned before, Horror Nights at Universal is Friday night, followed by Food & Wine, with a birthday blowout Saturday night at my house. Sunday, Jess-Laney and I have decided to hit Sea World, since I can enjoy the perks of parental work exposure, and she hasn't been in AGES!!!! (OK, she's not that old!) ;-)

Also, this weekend, the group will be joined from the far-off land of Sarasota by Allison (YO AL!)and Beau. Al and I used to be roommates, with our buddy Tamara (T) when we all graduated from college. A funny side-note....Allison and I went to the SAME school (GO NOLES!), and graduated on the SAME day, BOTH with Theatre degrees, only sitting two seats from one another during graduation....and we didn't meet one another until she and Tamara were looking for a roommate in Orlando! Talk about a small world! Even funnier...in her graduation video, apparently her parents were sitting somewhere close to mine, and you can hear them saying "who the hell is this guy waving in our camera?!"...THAT WAS ME!!!!! T and Al met when they did the FSU London Theatre program in Fall of 99....which I had done in 98, and told Tamara she could attend as a transfer student (she's from CO)!!!! Crazy, crazy!

It's only the beginning of October, but it sure feels like the holidays are quickly approaching...lots of milestone birthdays in the near future, and I'm sure we'll find some reason to go into rehearsals....AGAIN....at work. No worries...more late nights for me!

2005-10-07T14:19:00.000-04:00

In the end, the persistent truly come out on top...

Well, I'm happy to report that battle with SunTrust has ended today (at least the war is over). Since the back-and-forth e-mail system was getting me nowhere, I decided to go into the bank to plead my case. No branch manager was available, so I thought "Oh shit, this will be great!" Fortunately, any one of the "customer service" reps was able to handle my situation.

Before I even sat down in her office, she said that she would take care of my fees....having not said a word, I wondered if they had somehow pulled me up in the system, and giant red flag said "DO WHAT HE WANTS, OR HE MAY GO POSTAL!!!". The reality, was that she recognized the penalty slips in my hand, and was going to assist me...wow...maybe they DO have great "customer service". Next...and this is where things get kind of fuzzy and confusing....I start to tell her the situations I've been placed in, and how they show the money as pending, blah blah blah....not really caring about my story, she is very quick to answer my questions (but in a sort of, cut-you-off-I-don't-have-time-for-you manner). She then proceeds to tell me that, like my previous incident, she can only erase so much of the fee...again, I start to tell a story...either she realized that the company she works for is a total scam operation, or my barely full sentence bored her enough that she was willing to deal it. In the end, I left the bank with a $0 balance. Not wanting to rock the boat, since things ended in my favor, I pondered if I lost any money in this "service". I get home to do the calculations....if you give me back the $28 bucks I was penalized the first time, it came out that SunTrust actually lost $.40 in the deal...that's right....a mere "cents". I'll be checking my statement at a later time to make sure it says zero, but I'm happy to report all has ended well, and I'm one step closer from relinquishing my SunTrust chains.

The only reason I still have the account is for the Vodafone incident, which is still pending....hopefullly, I'll be receiving a HUGE refund from that, then I can walk away with cash-in-hand for my new, more inviting, banking adventure...

2005-10-05T23:15:00.000-04:00

I WANT MY MTV!!!!

Sometimes I think it's a curse to be considered a part of "Generation Y"...despite our best efforts, we tend to lose patience in the simple things in life, and want it NOW!!!! What happened to that tiny tickle feeling you would get as the weeks approached for Christmas morning? Or that gut sensation as you anticipate a major trip? Do you remember the excitement as your 16th, 18th, and 21st Birthdays approached? [I would say 30, but 1) I'm not there, yet, and 2) it's turned into somewhat of a dread for me these past couple of years...sorry older readers!]

With such a powerful opening, one would think there's some big moral dilemma I face right now...the answer....TELEVISION!!!! Why is it that I can't seem to enjoy the suspense and un-knowingness (word?!) that each new episode of a favorite show brings? Are there aliens among us? Will they ever get off the island (and what exactly IS the island)? Is Vaughn REALLY dead? Will Faith ever grow up and leave her sister's place (OK, I threw that one in for frivolity's sake).

Tonight's case and point: one of my new-season intrigues, INVASION. A hurricane takes place in Florida (gee, there's something unique), but in actuality, it appears to be some sort of governement cover-up/alien invasion. Now, the whole part about whether or not it's aliens, that's pretty much a GO. The question that lingers is: what are they, why are they here, and how are they truly going to affect the leading characters?! It's one of those situations where the hints become SO subtle, and SO slow-moving, that it almost makes it "not worth the watch". But then, the curiosity kicks in, and I can't help but tune in next week to see what happens. And as I may have mentioned before, a silent prayer that I don't give up on something that may stick around, or end up losing something that I've come to love. (I'm sure NO ONE watch it last year, since it's still not around, but I LOVED "The Mountain") Care to share your favorite TV RIP?!

2005-10-04T22:50:00.000-04:00

Would you like some wood for that cross?!

Do you ever have one of those days where you just can't stand the people you work with? Well, today seemed to be that day for me. Please do me a favor, and don't waste my time about how much we "mistreat you", and take away the "perks" that you once had. If you don't like what your doing, by all means, please get the hell away from us, and we'll be more than happy to replace you with someone who would love your OT, DT, free access to the park (including your friends and family), company-sponsored events, oh yeah....AND A PAYCHECK!!!!!

I may have mentioned this before...but I have to give kudos the new Showtime show, "WEEDS"!!! What a GREAT show! Sadly, there is only one episode left in the premiere season (making it a grand total of ten), and I already long for its return at a later time. With this coming to a close, however, it should bring back past favorites life "Huff" and "The L Word"....ahhh, the joys that escape from reality can bring. (P.S. I bailed on HBO's "Rome"....just couldn't keep my attention).

The music industry has been GREAT lately. Some obscure bands I like, and some mainstream, are making returns to scene after several years away. Fiona Apple made her triumphant return today....as always, an amazing voice, and an amazing gift for creating something unique...I think her attitude may have calmed down finally, as well! Some other bands I like at the moment: H.I.M. & The Rasmus (both bands being from Finland) - kind of a modern goth theme, but with a mainstream edge (except they remain known in the underground); New Order has a new album; "got a hold of" the new Depeche Mode album, not yet released...VERY much a return to their old format - GREAT ALBUM!!

Escape becomes my reality....

2005-10-03T00:16:00.000-04:00

There's a reason why we should keep theatre aLIVE....

Is it just me, or do you love the oddly bizarre, "good" feeling of discomfort you get from a LIVE performance? Something that just keeps you on the edge the entire time you watch it, but it's pumping adrenaline through your body, so you can't help but love it?! It's like watching people on TV getting into uncomfortable conversations, whether it be an interview, or a time where you get a sense of embarassment for the person, so it makes you just uncomfortable enough, that it feels good?!

This bizarre feeling came upon me the other night during the season premiere of "Will & Grace" - some feel this show has lost it's appeal, but the larger-than-life characters can often present such an askewed view of things, you can't help but laugh...it still finds its wit quick! To the point...the other night, in honor of their final season, they did a LIVE episode for the very first time. If by chance this blog ever comes across the screen of an exec at NBC...DO THIS EVERY WEEK!!!!! The show was great! It really made the "TV Actors" work for their art...sure there were a few bumps along the way, but there was something so fresh about it! And like a "good" episode of Saturday Night Live (few and far between, as they are), the best moments of the show were when they made each other break character....I don't know if it's just me, but I thinkk that stuff is WAY funnier sometimes than the canned responses they get take after take!

Does anyone remember the show "Roc"?! Charles S. Dutton was the star of the FOX show, who now stars in a new CBS series, "Threshold" (another new must-see this season). At one point in their second(?) season, they decided to do a special LIVE episode. It was such a success, that they continued to do them live, week after week, until the show's ending (sadly, I don't think it lasted much longer). I don't even remember if the content was that great, but the fact that it held that tension of LIVE TV for an entire 30-minutes made it worth the watch.

I guess you can take the boy out of "theatre" (sorry...theme parks don't always count), but you can't take the theatre out of the boy....

2005-10-01T14:02:00.000-04:00

I want to be a banker....

I think the stars are quickly aligning to tell me that it's time to switch over to the company-sponsored checking account! For years now, due to my attendance at FSU, I have been a member of SunTrust (plus, they are EVERYWHERE, so an ATM was always nearby). As a result of my recent trip, and the unique way in which the Asian industries choose to submit their receipts, I have been hit with over $200 of "insufficient funds" fees from the bank (Mind you, none of these were my fault, and the monies ARE there). I have already made one trip to the bank to speak to the manager, where I was informed that the best they could do for me, since it really wasn't my fault, was to wave $100 of the $128 from the first set of penalties (ooo....such a favor!). Now, I receive another one today in the mail for almost the same amount!!!! I log onto my account, and there appears to be NO reason was I was penalized....

To flesh out the first penalty story....while in Tokyo, I decided to rent a cell phone - yes, I can almost live without technology, but the real reason was just in case the Hong Kong team needed to get in touch with me about coming back to assist with the Grand Opening (a story I mentioned in an earlier post from overseas). Come to find out, which was not explained to me due to some language barrier, the cell phone company (who I'm calling out by name....VODAPHONE, YOU SUCK!!!), puts a hold on the card, just in case you run off with their phone....a $350 HOLD!!!!! Since this money is shown as "used", the bank charges you a penalty if you go over your amount (Yes, this all would have worked out much better had I been able to put it on my Credit Card, and not my Check Card, but the AmEx came back declined, so I had no choice....the AmEx was a problem child from time to time overseas as well...."everywhere you want to be?"....more like, "where they feel like being"...) So, that being said, I come home to find an e-mail from Vodaphone with my final bill....$186!!!!!! EXCUSE ME?! Another fine example of language barriers: I specifically asked the woman behind the counter how many minutes were included in my $5/day cell phone rental....she then pointed me to the sheet on the counter that said 200 minutes. Yeah....when the not-so-nice lady from customer service returned my e-mail of shock, she informed me that it was 200 yen per minute (which is about $2). Are you kidding me?! I would've purchased a calling card, year's worth of calls for that price!!!! I'm still in e-mail war with them, since they're based in Australia (hell if I'm making International calls anytime soon!)....they are currently in the ignorance phase of my demands....

2005-09-30T12:54:00.000-04:00

Is it REALLY that hard to come to work....????

Explain to me how someone can have a perfectly clean record, with no reprimands on their file, and in only a month's time, receive three (four equals termination), and then add two call-ins to that within a 30-day period?!! (The third call-in point makes for a 4th reprimand, which in turn makes for termination). In all honesty, the person no-called, no-show, which is automatic two-point, so in theory, they're gone....I don't get it....one of the HARDEST places in the world to get fired from....(Yo Al!) No one has made contact, though....so let's hope there is nothing seriously wrong...

On another note....today is my "Saturday"...GOD BLESS THE WEEKEND!!!! As most of you have read, it has been non-stop for me since I've been back from my trip...I'm glad to actually have a weekend with nothing on the books...I definitely would like to catch a couple of movies (Corpse Bride and Serenity being my top two must-sees).

Today also marks a very special time of year in celebration....FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL kicks off today at EPCOT!!! Not only is it my favorite time of year, weather-wise, but you get great food and great wine in a great atmosphere...it's GREAT! This year should be an interesting experience, however. As many of you know, I have taken a self-induced sobriety/cleansing over the last few months (last drink was in March)...not for any particular reason. Just thought I would take a break for a bit....I'm thinking by New Year's or next birthday (March), I'll make the leap off the wagon! Of course...all of that wine around me may be too tempting to resist a sip here or there.... ;-)

Only two weeks until Jess Laney gets here!!! YAY!!!!! (And yes, I typed her full name for those that don't know her, but she's also one of those people who requires both names when you talk about them....perhaps it should be Jess-Laney). She is my best friend from college (go Noles!), and lives in (????), Alabama....Irondale....no, that's not right...I know it as the "creek-bank", so we'll just say that's where she lives in Bama! Jess is coming in town for the big Derek Crabbs' 30th birthday weekend. She doesn't know him, but we'll be doing Halloween Horror Nights, Food and Wine, and various other social gatherings that weekend, so the timing is impecable...plus, she needs to get the hell out of dodge for a little while....keep away from those psycho neighbors.... ;-)

2005-09-29T14:56:00.000-04:00

I've shamed the master....

Somehow, Wednesday has passed me by....and I failed to make an entry...I'm sure the master has many forms of punishment in mind.... :-)

So...you know how when you're watching a television program (for some time now), and you know that each episode has some sort of underlying theme, but you don't really notice it all of the time. Well, last night, I had one of those SMACK, it's obvious moments....maybe it took some subtle thinking, maybe it didn't. What I found unique, was how all of the different stories, which really had no connection to one another, all had the same theme in the end. Again, it may have always been this obvious, but I can guarantee that I'll be paying close attention from this time forward.

The show I'm talking about, for those of you waiting for me to get to the POINT, is Nip/Tuck on FX - what a GREAT show, by the way....so twisted, I laugh out loud at how ridiculous it gets at times. I mean....where else will you see Vanessa Redgrave get high with her real-life daughter, Natasha Richardson?! (Their on-screen characters are mother/daughter, as well). Last night's show, which you would think is common for a show about plastic surgery, was all about inner beauty....but not so much inner beauty, as inner self or persona....

The main storyline involved a gorilla named Kiki that needed corrective surgery from a scar she received as a baby (yes, they operate on gorilla's too....pro-bono work). In order for her to mate, she needed to appear flawless to the dominant male gorilla. The other two story lines, consisted of the main son character, Matt, who learned that he had been sleeping with a transexual (Famke Jannsen) last season. The final line was about a former gang member, who had his tattoos and gang symbols removed so that he could become a part of "society" again. In the end, they did a great montage where both individuals ended up getting the crap beat out of them (yeah, in some sick way, it was done well). For Matt, it was all about him questioning what he's into (how could he be with a transexual and not tell....is that what attracts him, blah, blah, blah). The gang member, despite what he showed on the outside, could not escape the past that haunted him, and had no luck in finding work, due to his record....they did a cliff-hanger with him, so it will be interesting to see if he reverts back to his old ways, or learns who he is on the inside.

I don't know why that seemed so profound....but for such an odd show, the message was there....

2005-09-27T22:12:00.000-04:00

In the essence of time....

I've decided to post a fun little quiz...it is late, and I must be up early (my FAVORITE time of day) for a meeting at work...so...here it is...

NO LOOKING AROUND THE ROOM OR CHEATING!!!!!!! Post your answers as a comment, or drop me an e-mail, and I'll let you know how many you got correct....ENJOY!!!

1. On a standard traffic light, is the green on the top or bottom?
2. How many states are there in the USA? (Don't laugh, some people really don't know)
3. In which hand is the Statue of Liberty's torch?
4. What six colors are on the classic Campbell's soup label?
5. What two numbers on the telephone dial don't have letters by them?
6. When you walk does your left arm swing with your right or left leg?
7. How many matches are in a standard pack?
8. On the United States flag is the top stripe red or white?
9. What is the lowest number on the FM dial?
10. Which way does water go down the drain, counter or clockwise? (In North America)
11. Which way does a "no smoking" signs slash run?
12. How many channels on a VHF TV dial?
13. On which side of a women's blouse are the buttons?
14 Which way do fans rotate (when looking up at them)?
15. What is on the back of a Canadian dime?
16. How many sides does a stop sign have?
17. Do books have even-numbered pages on the right or left side?
18. How many lug nuts are on a standard car wheel?
19. How many sides are there on a standard pencil?
20. Sleepy, Happy, Sneezy, Grumpy, Dopey, Doc... Who's missing?
21. How many hot dog buns are in a standard package?
22. On which playing card is the card maker's trademark?
23. On which side of a Venetian blind is the cord that adjusts the opening between the slats?
24. On the back of a Canadian $1 coin, what is in the center?
25. There are 12 buttons on a touch-tone phone. What 2 symbols bear no digits?
26. How many curves are there in the standard paper clip?
27. Does a merry-go-round turn counter or clockwise?

By the way....I got 18....

2005-09-26T19:29:00.000-04:00

Six Feet Under and descending....

Good day, readers. As I sit here on the computer, while also talking to "The Future Mrs. Jackie Lembree" (ooo-oooo!!!!), I'll do my best to multi-task....it's the new fall season, and my TV beckons. Fortunately, I have some things that need to be cleared onto DVD (the last four episodes of WEEDS) to keep the time worthwhile on BOTH the computer AND the TV! And by the way...you don't need to have experienced "the pot" in order to enjoy Showtime's new show "Weeds"...HY-STERICAL!!!

On that same TV-related note...I made a BIG fan mistake. Six Feet Under was laid to rest this year (another GREAT cable-born program), and while I await the arrival of the final season on DVD, I decided to put them on DVD-RW. Each week, I would make the effort to put two episodes on a disc, with their nice little title screen, all set for another viewing (a technical note for future owners - if you ever buy a DVD burner for your living room, NEVER record for more than two-three hours....anything more looks like CRAP!)...yes, I'm a little anal retentive (hush up, peanut gallery!).

Well, I had some unfortunate luck with the LAST TWO EPISODES and the specials to go along with the entire series. SO, I attempted to re-FiVo them while I was overseas, so that I could re-record them to DVD. Long story short, I was able to save the final episode....HOWEVER, I re-formatted the old disc to make room for just the next to last and specials....OK...this is getting too confusing even typing, and no one probably cares at this point...

Basically....I have lost the next to last episode and the two specials, because I didn't re-FiVo them....I re-FiVo'ed an episode four weeks prior...

yeah, that story sucked..... :-)

Ahh, tomorrow is Wednesday....WOO HA!!!! (For me, anyway...) And I'm also in a bit later....that's very nice (1pm). I have my personal training in the morning at 10am...making sure to go a bit easier than last week...no repeats please...

And with this....my blog is posted....

2005-09-25T21:25:00.000-04:00

The rules of the game...

Hello, dear readers (yes, I'm told you are out there), I'm here to input my daily post.

Today was a regular day...started off a bit sleepy (HOORAY the illness has passed) due to the aforementioned sickness. Body was in a bit of "lazy" mode still from taking it easy...OK, I would've used that "lackidaiz...blah blah, shamalamadingdong" work, but for the life of me, I couldn't remember how to spell it....maybe all that "fun" I had in college (quiet, peanut gallery) is starting to catch up with me.... ;-) Eureka!!!! Scratch the above line...."my body was in a bit of a lackadaisical mode still from taking it easy during my sickness"...much better...

I have also entered the blog realm...yep, it makes me a cult member...and I keep getting offered something to drink to fully become a member, but I get this feeling it's something that might not be my cup of tea... :-) "#2" has officially invited me into his "Green Circle"....I've added his blog in the column to the right - check it out...it's zany and fun....yes, I said ZANY (RIP, Fiery L...)

Yesterday was Patrick's service in NJ - although I couldn't be there, it was on my mind. Ironically, I received a special gift from him that day - the picture of him and I from his December trip showed up on my doorstep, courtesy of his sister, Fran, in a very nice black frame. What a great memento! I haven't posted anything on his site, since I haven't had much to say about things lately. I'm in the process of looking through old videos and photos to see if I can find something to send to his family, and share with his friends on the site. There HAS to be something from my trip to Universal with the gang, or the Phoenix trip - I am addicted to the video camera, after all!

And for those of you in dying suspense (all three of you currently out there), I will be sharing information on my trip...just need to get my Peking Ducks in a row...

2005-09-22T21:04:00.000-04:00

Can it get any worse?!

Though it has been a few days since my last post, it's going to be a short one (more details to come...)

Good news! Patrick's sister found the photo that he and I took together at Christmas, when I got him into the Studios to surprise his father that he was home for the holidays (and especially pertinent moment, considering that this was the last time they saw one another).

Bad news....either something I ate, or something someone has passed along to me, cause me to wake up at 3:30am, "clean out my stomach" around 6:30am, and be in a constant state of aches and pains, and a headache that won't react to ANY medication I've pushed it's way. Not to mention, my physical therapist kicked my ASS yesterday at the gym, so my entire body not only aches from the lack of working out that my body was forced to endure yesterday, but it's also suffering from this "flu" or "food poisining"....I pray it wasn't food poisining, cause it may deter my love of Outback Steakhouse....of course, if it's the flu....this isn't close to being over, yet....

AND....due to the illness, I was not able to make it to Ft. Lauderdale for Nick's birthday....

OK...I feel miserable....why am I still typing....

(And yes, I had to call-in to work for the first time since I've been in my new area....)

2005-09-20T00:32:00.000-04:00

Has it been two days already....?!

Well, time seems to be flying by, these days...tomorrow, er, today, is already my Wednesday (work week!). One step closer to adventures down south this weekend....weather pertaining, of course.

And speaking of that....what in the HELL is going on with the weather these days?! Last year was insane with the hurricanes....fortunately, we've been spared (so far) this year...and correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe we have broken the record for named storms in the Atlantic (Opal was the previous record?!). Now we're up to Rita?! Here's hoping Rita takes a turn a little further south, so I can make my trip to Ft. Lauderdale this weekend. The ironic part....this time last year I had to cancel my trip for his birthday (and he, in turn, cancelled his party), due to Hurricane Jeanne!

Today was a good day at work, from a technology stand-point. Through some not-surprising mishap, I received my brand new Blackberry at work today. This is "leadership's" attempt at getting us away from our desks more, and spending time with the Cast and our Guests...boy, was that a company line, or what?! The reason it's a surprise...I wasn't supposed to get it until my class next Tuesday....oh, well!!! I've actually figured out how to use it already, so I'm not really looking forward to the class....perhaps there's a way I can escape 90 minutes of "here's the handout, and now I'm going to spend the rest of the time reading it to you"...that's a typical tradition at work.

Here's a thought....why don't you send me the handout, and provide me a number I can call, should I have questions...instead of taking up time out of my day?! GRRRR!!!!

OK...it's late, I'm tired, and I want to listen to some new music on my IPod....

2005-09-17T15:24:00.000-04:00

I've officially sold my soul to the corporate devil...

Yesterday, in an attempt to comfort my ever-increasing waistline (damnit, I will work out on a regular basis again!!!!), I went shopping for "time-satisfying" pants....when I DO decrease the weight, they go to charity....but enough about frivolity....

The point of the story, having just returned from an extravagant overseas adventure, money finds itself tight right now. SO, I went for the best deals I could find for comfortable work clothes (khakis, etc.). Sadly, this brought me to....I'm almost ashamed to type it....OLD NAVY!!!!! Now, for those of you that know me well enough...I HATE OLD NAVY!!!!! And it's not for any valid reason, but I can't STAND those damn commercials!!! Plus, when you walk in the store, there's just something irritating about it. Of course, not only did I find comfortable pants, but I also walked away with (3) t-shirts (cause they're only $5 a piece!!!!). The even scarier part....I found other things I could've bought there, too!!!!

Ugh...does it help erase my sin that I bought a shirt for a band I really like (Silverstein - they rock!) at Hot Topic just before......

2005-09-15T18:18:00.000-04:00

To what do I owe this weekend's pleasures...

Well, to be honest...not a hell of a lot...jet lag seems as though it has worn off, but the result is my new bedtime of 10pm!!!! Makes for fun on the weekends, eh?! So, although I am expecting a few late nights, they will be pushed to the limit as my body once again reacts to changing circumstances...but enough about the trip already! ;-)

In all honesty, it is going to be a busy weekend. The days, though they are beautiful outside, will be spent continuing the catch-up of what FiVo(my rip-off version of TiVo) had to offer me while I was away...all I can say is that downstairs right now, there are strange noises of grunting and moaning, and they're not coming from me. They are actually from the new HBO show ROME (SFU, RIP), which hasn't turned out to be too bad so far....explicit scenes included! (and for those of you wondering....I WILL be "rewinding" them since I obviously missed them while typing this entry)

Despite all of the lame, indoor, couch-potato TV watching, it is good-friend, Kevin's birthday this weekend....he'd killing me for saying, but he's turning 34!!! Not too bad for someone with a hot 26 yr old wife, and two beautiful children (both boys, both got their parent's good looks, ages 5 and 3). So, tomorrow night is the official gathering, though he doesn't know he's the reason we're getting together, and Saturday is the actual day, which will be spent watching the UF/Tennessee game on TV....yes, I know....shame on me for not paying attention to my Noles. But, (1), it is his birthday, and (2), that game sounds a little more exciting than FSU/Boston College....sorry, Boston....

And, to top off my exciting adjustment back to sleep reality, I was met with the news that we will be going into rehearsals AGAIN for our show. So, back to the night shift for me! (Honestly, no complaints, usually...but this damn body schedule has me up in the mornings....ECK!!!)

2005-09-14T20:39:00.000-04:00

Is it TGIF already?!

Man, how time seems to fly these days! Vacation being here and gone was a whirlwind enough...now I'm already to the end of my first week back at work?! I guess that's what happens when you have so many things to catch up on (though admittedly, not too bad for being away 16 days!), that time goes so quickly.

I am happy to be at my weekend, however. I'll enjoy my time at home, since it's off to south Florida, for the birthday of my college roommate, Nick. He is exactly six months (to the day) younger than me, so for those of you wondering, that makes him 27....my God! 27?!?! Are we really that old (still younger than #2!)

More stories and news flood in about Patrick....I am desperately trying to track down a friend of his I met on my last night in Phoenix, over three years ago! She took us out for what I still consider to be one of the craziest, and most fun, nights of my life. Let's just say it started with fondue and margaritas at an outdoor hacienda, and ended with me getting on the plane the next morning....the middle part is still kind of a blur, but I remember this nice lady throwing 100 dollar bills our way at the casino, and yelling at us to "Sit the FUCK down and play some poker"! YES, MAM!!!

2005-09-13T22:15:00.000-04:00

Well friends, the fun never stops around here....

Today was a busy day at work - non-stop questions and problems to solve with my cast, on top of which we had additional shows, AND a safety fair at work (which I was involved in, but in actuality, had little to do on the day of the event....WHEW!!!)

The Patrick story continues to unfold - for those of you who have not linked to learn more on his blog dedication site....he had been complaining of chest pains for a couple of weeks, and had shared this with one of his brothers, but said not to make a big deal of it with the rest of his family. Needless to say, the stubborn jerk didn't bother to investigate the problem (blowing it off as possible panic attacks), and we all know the end result of that matter. Especially foolish, considering his mom died of a heart attack, his one brother had one, but was revived, and his father has survived a triple bypass surgery....PEOPLE - WATCH THE WARNING SIGNS AND TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES!!!!

What I find most interesting about this whole situation is how the death of someone has opened up a connectivity amongst people. Sharing on the site, and now speaking to his sister thru e-mail (who, mind you, I have never meant or even knew her name to this point - just knew he was the baby of six), it's interesting to learn how you can become apart of people's lives without even knowing it. Apparently, he had talked of me to his family (and friends), so I've gotten several "so glad we found you" remarks! On the same note, I guess it's the same for them, since I know most of their names, or about them, but have never met....

It just goes to show how much of an impact you can truly have on someone's life without evening knowing it....

2005-09-11T22:18:00.000-04:00

Well, friends...today was the triumphant return to work after my well-deserved vacation (there were no trumpets blowing, but I believe there may have been one or two individuals who wished I was their trumpet...#2!!!!)

Today was also a day for remembrance....where were you when 9/11 occurred? My roommate and I were off from work that day(it was a Tuesday), and I was awoken by her, telling us that our friend Jackie (ooo-ooooh) called to say "TURN ON THE TV - A PLANE HIT THE WTC"! We quickly did, and caught the action of the second plane hitting. The two of us were GLUED to the television for the rest of the day....non-stop calls to people, and watching as the story un-folded before our eyes. By 7pm, it was time to get out of that place, and get some fresh air. Chili's was our destination for the night...but it offered such strange atmosphere. I think the most eye-opening experience that night was the table full of Brits near us, who really had no clue what this really meant to our country. Just a group of people here on vacation, feeding off of the tourism, more than our culture...

I wonder if I would've felt the same way, had I been in London during the recent bombings...?

I still continue to process the loss of Patrick. It's been great being in contact with friends of his, most of whom have probably never met (or at least I've only heard of, and not met them in person), but we all share the common bond of one terrific individual...and he truly was that...individual and proud.

I have attached a new link to the side, for something in Philadelphia known as the Attic Youth Center...this was an organization that he supported during his time in Philly, as his family and friends are asking for donations to be made in his name to this place, as opposed to flowers for the ceremony....

Ahh, the ceremony....there is the deep feeling that I should be there to pay my last respects, but at the same time know it is not feasible (both physically and financially) at this point in life...can someone amend that stupid bereavement rule for work and flights for those who are dear to you?! Mother, Father, Brother, Sister, Spouse,....FRIEND!!!! They're all important people to us who deserve to have our support, despite "the rules of the system...."

2005-09-09T15:30:00.000-04:00

A recent photo of Patrick....

2005-09-09T15:05:00.000-04:00

....what a unique mix of emotions I'm feeling right now....

On one hand, I just returned from an amazing vacation overseas where I was infused into the culture before me....

....on the other hand, I'm sitting here in a state of shock and confusion, as I receive an e-mail from a person I don't know, telling me to check out a blog site dedicated to the memory of a friend of mine....the hard part about this, is that I have NO EARTHLY IDEA WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT!!!!! This was a person who I kept in touch with after we met six years ago in Orlando. We stayed in touch quite a bit, considering that most of our friendship was long distance. I was able to visit the Grand Canyon with him, and more recently, received a holiday visit from him this past Christmas....we have talked several times since then (I want to say it was his b-day on June 30th)...and the next thing I hear of/from him is that he's GONE?! How completely FUCKED UP is that?!

Here's to you, Patrick Kirk....I knew you for only a short time, and don't know what to say (being completely in the dark of the occurences surrounding it) now that you're gone.....

2005-09-07T05:06:00.000-04:00

KONICHIWA!!!!

Hello friends of the world!!! (OK, so far I think only one or two people know about this site...)

Nonetheless, I am currently in Tokyo, Japan, staying at the Hilton near Tokyo Disneyland Resort. Since I've obvisiouly become far too obsessed with modern acoutrements (sp?!), I decided to rent a laptop and internet access for my stay...and a cell phone, too. However, there is good reason, that I hope to share shortly...(so far, the news is not looking favorable in my direction).

Also, as I sit here typing, almost everything that "blogspot" has to offer as far as links, settings, etc. is in Japanese...and not the the kind that my American ass can interpret. So, I not only am guessing which links to clink to make things happen, but I'm also trying not to hit some button that I can't yet figure out, but have also hit accidentally on SEVERAL occassions...this mysterious button then turns all of my type into JAPANESE KANJI!!!!! Yes, it's been a treat....and the fact that certain symbols are in different locations does not help either.

But I digress...Tokyo Disney has been amazing....foｒ (shit...I hit the button again, but have found my way back...sort of....) those of you who might make it over ｈｅｒｅ at some point, you MUST see Tokyo Disney Sea. This is by far the best park we have ever created!!!

This keyboard is starting to piss me OFF, so I'm going to leave you for now, and share more when I'm state-side....

Sayonara!!!

2005-09-05T11:46:00.000-04:00

Baai baai....for now....

As I begin my journey into the world of blog, I start with parting words. Tonight I say farewell to the land of Hong Kong....and tomorrow HELLO to the world of Tokyo....details to come my friends, once the trip has commenced...

...and I best be going, as the shuttle to take me to my next destination leaves in about ten minutes...

CIAO!