Irrelevant

Vibram Five Fingers: Bikila

2011-07-06T12:48:00.000-07:00

Creepy, gross, hippie, awkward, weird. All very common words to describe the look of these fabulous shoes. But looks aren't what Vibram shoes are about, they just happen to have a form following function type of aesthetic about them.

Our average notions of what shoes should look and feel like are all but thrown out the window when you put these shoes on. Socks optional, skin tight, super light and flexible, these are the Vibram Five Finger shoes.

With an individual spot for each toe, this shoe really allows one to feel as if they are walking/running/hiking barefoot. But with the comfort of a rubberized sole and cushioned material, you never feel the danger that you would when wearing nothing on your feet. Feel free to step on those pointy rocks, broken glass (not recommended but I did it) and beauty bark. No cuts, no scrapes, no splinters. It's truly a whole new feeling on your feet.

After a solid week with these shoes, walking mostly in an urban setting and some light running, I can safely say that I have never felt so light footed and comfortable while on my feet.

Admittedly, the first couple days after buying these shoes, it was hard to get used to, they were not broken in and my body had not adjusted to the sensation of walking over hard, flat surfaces in a minimalist-type shoe. But once the shoe material stretched a bit to conform to my foot and toes, and after a few hours of walking time put into the shoes, my body adjusted and I couldn't wait for an excuse to throw these on.

If you, like me, are looking for something comfortable to run and walk in, these are the shoes to get. I know that there are other "minimalist" shoes out there that don't have the weird individual toes look, but I think that makes up a good part of why these shoes are so comfortable and unique.

I don't mind the look at all, and I have no complex about people seeing my toes, and the benefit in comfort I get from them is more than worth the stares and jokes made by my friends.

And some may wonder about the smell from not wearing socks, and so far there isn't an odoriferous smell emanating from the shoes or my feet after I walk or run for a couple miles. If you put the shoe in your face and smell it, yes, you will smell feet. But it's nothing like someone would smell them from across the room or in a car.

Considering how breathable they are, my feet did not sweat, even in the 100+ degree temps we had over the July 4th weekend. Plus, they are machine washable and air drying, so no special needs in cleaning.

I picked up these things on sale at REI for $79.99, and I highly, HIGHLY recommend you try some on so you know your size and if your feet are or aren't too deformed to fit.

CPU Wars

2011-01-06T12:06:00.000-08:00

Not surprisingly, this is going to be another super-nerdy blog. What a great way to get back into the blogging habit, no?

Yes, it's been well over a year since my last blog, no I haven't forgotten about this place, just have had a hectic year to say the least.

One of the last times I blogged about something nerdy, it was my love for the iPhone I had just purchased. Now, however, I'm obsessed with Android phones. I still have my iPhone, but it's time for a change.

This change has been prompted by the need (read: want) for a larger screen and a new interface. iOS is getting long-in-the-tooth for me even though it's still, in my opinion, the best mobile platform in the game. I've hacked and slashed my way through many jailbreaks on this iPhone and I have experienced all there is to experience with this software, so it's time for a change.

Blackberry is of course out of the question, Windows Phone 7 is still Microsoft and WebOS is dead.

Android phones have always fascinated me, not because of the operating system necessarily, but because there are so many options to be had with hardware. Big screens, small screens, different camera resolutions and quality, some have front facing cameras, others have crazy new display technology, and the list goes on.

These differences all have their ups and downs, I don't think i'll find the perfect combination, but I thoroughly enjoy the decision making that needs to go into finding a phone that fits me.

One of the big gimmicks this year is the CPU. The talk has been all about Nvidia's Tegra 2 processor, yielding dual-core technology. This opposed to some of the single core CPU's running at higher clock speeds than the Tegra 2. Of course, higher clock speeds with the same old architecture equals lower battery life, usually. This has yet to be confirmed in any sort of comparisons as almost none of these new phones have been touched, much less reviewed by any one.

So if it comes down to it, what's the best decision? A phone that runs quicker with lower battery life, or a phone that runs more efficiently but not as fast and perhaps with other shortcomings (like a smaller screen, lower quality camera, perhaps no front facing camera, etc)?

Since I charge my iPhone every night anyway, sometimes twice a day, it's a sign that I use my phone a lot, so having greater battery life might be the way to go and any Tegra 2 phone would be a no-brainer. However, I doubt i'll get 2 days worth even from the newest technology of phones, so why not just get the fastest phone and not worry about battery life?

Ahhh! Dilemmas. AT&T is coming out with some fantastic Android phones in the next 2-3 months, so I'm hoping to run in and test them out for myself soon, but for now I just have to watch my friends and other tech blogs talk about CES and all the wonderful gadgets that are floating around Vegas this weekend.

It's Real

2009-10-27T17:13:00.000-07:00

Someone shared this clip on Facebook a while back, and I can't get a certain scene out of my head.

Near the middle of the clip (~4mins) when the female actress was being discriminated against, the lady shopper got so offended and angry at what was going on that she was overwhelmed with her emotions and she started to cry. Although it was not timely, as she was confronted with general remarks about racism AFTER the incident occurs.

It's a scene that i'm likely to remember for a long time, because it's not everyday that you go without some kind of reference to racism in our society, either in our music, news stories, or daily experiences. It's also not everyday that you see someone fighting for someone else's rights, a stranger, someone who could have just walked away from an "uncomfortable situation". Granted she wasn't the only person to openly oppose the racism, but it was a white female at the defense of a girl of color. It seems old fashioned but no less powerful. It happens again at the end when a bunch of people walk out of the store in protest, but it wasn't quite as provocative.

It is absolutely amazing, and it's really sad that I have to ask myself "would I have the same kind of emotional reaction?". Granted I would most likely vocalize my objection to the situation, but being a guy, I can't see myself crying over the situation. That really bugs me, because I WANT to be so emotionally effected by such a real and hurtful situation. It makes me proud that there is proof of humanity's good side on video in our recent past.

I know people do great things for people all the time, but this is so small, and so simple of a problem that it feels much easier to relate to than anything else i've seen.

I don't at all feel bad for the douchebags who stood there and did nothing, said nothing and just walked away. What a bunch of gutless son's of bitches. I'm glad they got humiliated nationally and I hope they never live it down. Only after they get confronted by cameras do they act like they gave even a little bit of a damn for the blatant racism that went on.

As a whole, our world has a long way to go, but I have no doubt that it we will have our day when racism will only be remembered through our history books.

here is the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFO1b9I-u5Q&feature=PlayList&p=E61C9F22C92722C4&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=14

A New Love

2009-10-25T20:35:00.000-07:00

For years i've been caught in this pathetic loop of radio station playlists and remixes. So pathetic, in fact, that I began to resent music, finding myself listening more to Public Radio than anything else. Not dissing Public Radio at all, but it just didn't feel like I should be listening to it everyday, every time I got in the car. That type of lifestyle is reserved for my old age, not under 40 years-old.

About a year ago, my hard drive on my MacBook crashed, leaving me with nothing (no, I hadn't backed it up at the time). This, plus a few other external influences got me off my ass and I got to rebuilding my music library.

My friend let me have all of his music from his hard drive, the ones not locked in iTunes format, and I began listening to everything he had. Not that I hadn't had heard of these bands/artists before, but I never really gave them the time of day. I started doing some research into these artists and groups and found all their best albums and went on a downloading spree.

Granted I didn't like EVERYTHING I heard, so I inevitably chopped out a few gigs of music that wasn't to my taste and began honing my library contents to music I would actually listen to.

I threw away any inhibition and started collecting songs and albums from before my childhood and on. Yes, anybody from N'SYNC and Britney Spears to Nine-Inch-Nails and The Smashing Pumpkins. I tend to feel self conscious listening to "Oops, I Did It Again" in my car, but it's not so bad when played before or after some other diverse music in a public environment or during a party.

I have found that I have a few favorite artists that I can't get enough of, as late as I am to appreciate them, like Kings of Leon and Evanescence.

Oddly, though, I don't flock to the hip/hop and rap that I used to be so fond of. Although I have an clear need to listen to Ne-Yo and other R&B songs every now and again, I don't like keeping myself on that playlist for very long.

It might be my desire to change or diversify my musical palette, but whatever it is, I know i'm enjoying my new found musical love.

Now and again I get suggestions to listen to new music or old music from my sister or friends. Sometimes I pretend not to enjoy the music they suggest, probably my prideful attitude, like I should be the one to find the good music myself, not anyone else. It's really sad, because there really isn't much music that I dislike, and I should be happy to share musical taste with others. It's something i'm working on, being more humble and willing to be more openly open-minded, if that makes any sense.

Anybody who LOVES a song or an artist is the type of person that I enjoy talking to about music. I get to see why they love the music they do, and what it reminds them of. Sometimes one gets to share an experience or feeling, and sometimes the feelings are alien, but it's always fairly personal to share those types of things, and I am nothing but grateful to the people who do.

Now holler back and tell me what you listen to.

iHeart

2009-10-08T13:40:00.000-07:00

just checkin' in to say how much i love this thing

seriously awesome technology, sigh, im so late to this bandwagon, even after working for 2 years at at&t. stupid ass company, doesnt give you their most popular phone to demo, fucking retarded. had to buy my own. so glad i did though, worth it

Inconsiderate With a Chance of Disturbance

2009-10-04T19:31:00.000-07:00

Ever have it so that when you are studying quietly and intently at a cafe with plenty of space around you and no distractions? It's pretty productive, you can get a lot done. The scenario is precious, and you should cherish every moment of your focused studies.

Here come two ladies, speaking in jibber-jabber language WITH TWO STROLLERS. Yup, they chose to sit RIGHT next to me. Not leaving a space between me and themselves, not across the cafe, but next to me. Babies crying, mommies yapping, my blood boiling, headache pounding, patience failing, I tried to continue and get through my work.

If an unfortunate situation arises, something that neither party could help, I could possibly try and put it out-of-sight out-of-mind, but the sheer disrespect as I sat there with my backpack, giant 1000+ page DAT study book, paper and pencil, calculator and computer as these ladies sat right next to me with crying babies was too much for me.

I am generally a very forgiving and non-confrontational person, but these people were disrupting almost with intent. I could not imagine what could possess someone to completely ignore the signs of a studious person and sit down with loud conversation right next to this person. I might be able to understand if i had headphones on, it would look like i couldn't be as disturbed, but I had no such opportunity to block them out.

They continued to laugh and converse loudly and in comprehensibly in their language while their kids were wailing in their strollers, their only console was a short rocking motion by each parent.

I had had it, I put my pencil down, sat up straight, and turned my head at the closest bitch and stared her down. She didn't notice my glare, but her friend did. The friend gave me a quick "oh, so sorree". My response of "yea" was abrupt enough to give them the hint, they got up shortly after and left.

I was so pissed off that i ended up not finishing that chapter and left 10 minutes later with the biggest scowl on my face.

Seriously, what the fuck? One person might be stupid enough, but even if they had half a brain to start with, two people would surely increase the chances of a right decision to be made. Apparently they both couldnt scrounge up enough smarts between the both of them to figure out they were being complete asshole bitches. Fuck.

The Inconsistent Driver...

2009-09-09T16:09:00.000-07:00

Finally, back to blogging. Got my routine down, so I should be doing this more regularly now.

So, you all know what im talking about when I mention the "inconsistent driver". It's that guy/girl who cant decide if they are a slow or fast driver, aggressive or non-aggressive.

It's the car you hate being behind at stop lights because they take FOREVER to get up to speed, then when you try and pass them, they magically speed up to 10+ mph over the speed limit and block your pass maneuver!! GAHHH!! Im getting really annoyed just thinking about it while I type this out.

How about when a car decides to weave in and out of traffic to get past the REALLY slow drivers, but they themselves dont go above the speed limit? They assume because they are passing other cars, that they deserve to stay in the fast lane when there are clearly people behind them able to go MUCH faster.

Since i've gotten my motorcycle (there will be a blog about that later) i've noticed much more frequently the bad drivers on the road. They may frustrate everybody on a daily basis, but when you're on a bike, its more of a death obstacle, in which if you pre-judge their road behavior, you may be in for a nasty/deadly fall.

You know those movies like Minority Report where their vehicles are all automated on the freeways and you just sit back and let the car drive itself? As addicted to driving/riding as I am, its when I see these horrible drivers on the road that I want the future to come more quickly and get rid of these drivers.

Be safe out there, and always watch everything and everyone around you, you could be saving lives by just paying attention a little harder.

The Ultimate C*#k Block

2009-05-18T12:41:00.001-07:00

There are those occasions when you are talking to a man/woman and you get completely side-swiped by someone who interjects in the middle of a conversation, or what have you, and either ruins the moment or ends up turning the conversation towards him/her.

That my friend, is a classic cock-block.

Lets define this word shall we? It’s could be the case that you are a female, talking to a handsome bloke, when a stranger or friend decides to get in the way. She then has BLOCKED the potential possession of…yes, that’s right, cock.

It could also be the case that you are a fly guy, mackin’ on a sultry goddess, when a friend or stranger decides to destroy the mood or try and steal your spotlight. He therefore has BLOCKED your attempts at making moves, or what have you. He is therefore referred to as a COCK who has just BLOCKED you. However, this scenario could also have been interpreted as your own COCK being BLOCKED from whatever un-chaste activity you were hoping to pursue.

Now that we are on the same page as to what can constitute cock-blocking, let’s put a real life scenario on the table.

So I was in the back room, in my boss’ office, talking to this girl from Apple about their promotions for us employees and this girl was pretty cute, very soft spoken, but very intelligent. But whatever, it was professional and I was asking questions and what not, then here comes this co-worker of mine, who thinks literally every girl wants him (sounds like someone else I know…) which is very laughable if you’ve seen/met him. He walks by and sees this girl I’m talking to and stops dead, turns and starts making fun of how I never hit my goals and how I wont win this contest we are having, blah blah, typical insecurity.

This girl is like “what the hell is he talking about?” and I casually reply to this guy and I’m like, “listen, we are having a professional conversation here buddy, would you like to join?” He then continues to say how I wouldn’t know what professional looks like or whatever, so this girl finally turns to me and says “Hey Hoodean, here is my card, let me have yours and we’ll keep in touch.” Dumbfounded as she leaves the store, this guy says to me in a tone of near desperation “Look dummy, you scared her off.” I very loudly chuckled and retorted, “Hey man, in the end, I have her number and you don’t.”

That, ladies and gentlemen, is what happens when a cock-block fails horribly.

Road Haze

2009-05-09T00:38:00.000-07:00

Ah, it's been a while, folks. But let's pick up like it was just yesterday, shall we?

So, when I finally get a warm, sunny day here in Washington state, I take full advantage as much as possible. This, for me, being driving with my windows down and sunroof open. Nothing is more satisfying than a nice drive in good weather. Then along comes fucktard #1.

A chick pulls out in front of me on a two lane road, where I can't pass, and is smoking up a storm. I go from enjoying the sunshine to puking my guts out. I roll up my windows and close my sunroof, turn on the A/C and realize that I must switch into recirculating air so as not to pull in the fresh smell of ASS from the bitch in front of me. Having not used my A/C in over 8 months, naturally it smells like shit as the A/C warms (or colds) up.

So here is my dilemma. Would one be out of line to engage his or herself in road rage against something that is totally legal but extremely disgusting and bitchly, or should one just take it in the ass and adjust his or her surroundings to accommodate for said asshole?

That was a rhetorical question. As soon as the street opened up into a 4 lane road, I opened up my exhaust, making my car unbearably loud, and scream past this bitch with her windows down and scared the ever loving shit out of her by nearly scraping the entire side of her car whilst making an incredibly loud ruckus in her face. I finished by cutting her off and giving her a light brake check, then sped off at a good pace, leaving her in a funk of un-catalyzed exhaust fumes (touche bitch!)

Naturally she honked and flashed me, but I was long gone for her to pull up next to me at the next light. But I don't at all feel bad for endangering her or myself and inducing road rage in myself or her. The way I see it, she brought it on herself and I doubt I'm the only one who feels like smokers in cars should choke on their own death instead of exposing it to others, regardless of where they decide to engage in their dirty habits

'09

2009-01-01T02:17:00.000-08:00

It's gonna be a good year.

The slate is clean and I can use this new found freedom to become who I really want to be. Mold myself into the man I want to be, and seize the opportunities that are laid out before me.

My new year's resolution goes something like this:

"to not be held back and do what i've always wanted to do, plan my future around ME. This year, I am free of bad habits, and will surround myself with the people who truly care for me."

Good-fucking-night, people. Welcome to 2009!

Ignore

2008-12-22T22:03:00.000-08:00

I'm just checking in, nothing to rant or rave about right now.

I guess I'm just, happy. Things are going well, life is in order, things are good with family and friends, making good money, spending money, talking to fema.....

Maybe the only thing that sucks is that i've been snowed in for a week and haven't been able to freely move about as much as i've wanted to, which means I haven't been to the gym for a week, and I really miss the pain and pumped-up feeling. That and Im feeling really fat because all i've been doing is eating and sleeping. Must get to the gym as soon as the weather permits.

I need to wash my car, it's fucking filthy.

Bye.

Ice Capades

2008-12-20T23:45:00.000-08:00

Douche Bag. A term defined as 'one who is of the bag 'o' douche; e.g. fuckers who drive fast or stupid in winter weather'

I approach this issue with little held back, which doesn't mean much if you've read any of my past blogs, because there is more at stake than my irritation. When people fuck with the safety of others around them, they are the ultimate cocks of society.

Example, Mr. Asshole bought an SUV/Truck/Any 4 Wheel Drive Car over the summer and has been looking forward anxiously to the winter weather so that he can say its a non-issue for him. So Mr. DickMunch gets his first test drive in the snow after he gets off work, and starts mashing through the streets at the normal speed limit, bypassing cars (and me) who are going slower and acting like its any old work day commute. Ok, so here comes a red light, Mr. FuckTard, instead of braking early and going slow, barrels towards the intersection at normal speeds and starts to slow down way too late. One moment, he is thinking "Piece of cake, 4 wheel drive and anti-lock brakes, I'm good", the next moment his car isnt slowing down, and the brake pedal is slamming back into his foot as the anti-lock brake system is working overtime to compensate for this dipshit's driving, and he is now thinking to himself "HOW COME MY FUCKING AWESOME CAR ISN'T BEING SO FUCKING AWESOME RIGHT NOW?!?!?!?!?!"

BAM!!! Slams into a car waiting at the red light.

Me, being the could samaritan that I am, turn my car right around in the middle of the street and re-route myself another way. Fuck that, I'm not going to deal with that bullshit, I'm trying to get home before the melted snow starts re-freezing.

But seriously, how are people so fucking dumb that they don't understand basic mechanical physics or at least how their own cars work? This should be a requirement to get a license, and something that needs to be tested on every time you renew your license. Because if you don't know that having a car capable of accelerating through the snow has no bearing on wether or not it slows down in the snow, you don't deserve a license, period.

And what's with these retards who drive their piece of shit 1979 Datsun 240Z's in the middle of a snow storm? Those fucking things have no balls to run right in normal driving conditions, there is no fucking way in hell its going to be getting around in 2 or more inches of snow. I saw two cars like that spinning their rear tires relentlessly on a small inclined hill, going absolutely no where, with a line of cars backed up behind them that also were stuck because all the momentum that they had going up the hill was taken away when the shithead in the Datsun got stuck in front of them.

Take it slow, and don't fuck around. Snow is fun to drive in IF you know what you are doing and are doing it with no one in sight or in your car. If you want to take yourself out during a snow stunt, fine, but don't bring anyone down with you.

Fuck 'The Man'

2008-12-17T23:37:00.000-08:00

Not that corporate bastard, the Weather Man.

What the fuck is his problem? He promises snow, but do I get the snow? NO! Douchebag says "well looks like some parts will get 7 inches..." blah blah. But he never says which places. He says the "foothills" will get more. I live on a Goddamn foothill, but i've not seen a dusting during this supposed major winter storm.

If you look at a radar of the past 24 hours, you will see a VERY convenient low pressure zone that has planted itself right, smack dab on top of my fucking house. and as the winds move south, east and north, ALL the surrounding counties are getting pummeled with snow except for mine.

I had three days off in a row this week, and the forecast said that all three of my days off would have me waking up every morning to a winter wonderland. I have been waking up to dreary, cold and damp days. If there is no snow covering my car when I wake up tomorrow, Im going to throw a fucking hissy fit, and piss and moan because there isn't a damn thing I can do about it.

Really though, why hire and pay some fucktard to "report" on weather when there is a 90% chance of them being utterly useless. Sure if there are no storm clouds in the sky, a weather man can say its not going to rain today or tomorrow, and he would be right. But that's like those fake-ass psychics that talk to the dead by tricking their audience into thinking that he is ACTUALLY talking to spirits. All he needs to say is "did someone close to you pass away recently?" and people will think he is a fucking GOD! No shit Sherlock, the only reason those morons are in your audience is because they have lost someone that they want to contact. No sane person even with nothing to do in life would decide to go on a show like that for shits and giggles.

So for all the Steve Pools and the Wappler families that think they have a grasp on the weather, go home, get a new job and let people look up at the sky and decide what the weather is going to be like. Because if your neighbor cant go outside, feel that its really cold, and see dark clouds covering the sun and determine that there is a chance of snow, you might as well shoot yourself now, because there is no point in existing in a world full of retards.

New Blogs Coming...

2008-12-16T16:45:00.001-08:00

computer is back, so will my blogging be...stay tuned

Miles

2008-11-22T14:08:00.000-08:00

Went driving this morning, just for fun. Filled up on some gas, met some buddies, and just drove.

We cut across about 2 counties worth of roads, about 100 miles total. Took turns at high rates of speed, music blasting, exhaust blaring, tires squealing...ahhhh, O-facing the whole time.

It was such a release, release from work, stress, and any possible thorn in my side was gone. If it weren't for the rain, empty stomachs and possible state-wide alert for our arrest, we would have kept going. I've never had so much fun in my car, ever. I got to experience a taste of what my car can do, and how big my balls actually are (huge by the way, ginormous).

My new suspension set up, being as basic as money can buy, handled amazingly, but Washington roads are notorious for pot holes and bumps, and I nearly flew out of my fucking seat three times from bouncing up and down so hard. Luckily for me, my seats keep the driver and passenger well bolstered so no one is likely to get thrown out.

I had so much fun, but am saddened that I got to experience this euphoric activity only as the weather is turning to shit for the next 8 months. It will most likely take much restraint from recreating my experience today in the open country-roads on the public streets, but I will restrain.

Im finally getting to do all the things I've wanted to, and I know i've mentioned that before, but this is just another one of those little things in life that I've been missing out on for whatever reason. Im glad I finally got to be stupid and childish before the youth got sucked out of my soul forever. Im sure in time ill realize how dumb it was to go frolicking about on streets at dangerous speeds and being on a knife's edge of doom. But boy was it fun.

Double Sided?

2008-11-16T23:49:00.001-08:00

Have you ever noticed how in a working environment, people tend to act in one way, be it nice or annoying, but when tossed into an outside-of-work atmosphere, they completely change?

I mean, maybe it's the competitive attitude that people have while at work, and the tendency to resent being AT work that makes people act differently. That's fine, I'm also guilty of letting the "work" feelings get in the way of who I am and how I act. I feel like its hard to avoid. But it's nice to see that some people are either nicer or more relaxed outside of work than they are at work. It puts the person in a more down-to-earth light.

Then there are those that are the exact same outside of work as they are at work. And for the most part, its either you love that person or you hate them. Because if a person is a total douche at work AND outside of work, then that fucker needs to not be invited out. But most of the time, the really good people are able to be liked at and outside of work.

There really is no point to this, just an observation that I thought i'd share with you. I like to see friends outside of work, it makes me feel like they aren't just competition, and that they are actually people; people who have lives and are overall good people. I actually think it's better for the work environment, especially if the people you hang out with outside of work are friendly and you get along with them, that way it makes the work day go by easier, more things to talk about and less "strictly co-worker" attitudes.

Friends, they're good to have, if you're lucky.

Hobby

2008-11-11T23:29:00.001-08:00

Yes, I know, I have one already. My car. Well, shut up, I have another one now.

For sometime now, I've wanted to have the ability to take awesome pictures and wow people with the awesomeness of my pictures.. When I was 19, I remember driving around my neighborhood during the beginning of Autumn, when the leaves were changing colors, and wishing that I could stop and take a picture of what I see.

Well I went home, grabbed my, then decent, 2.0mp Sony Cybershot camera and snapped a picture from where I first saw the landscape that inspired me. I took it home, hooked it up to the family computer, and was never more disappointed in my life. The picture was so different and crappy from what I could see with my own eyes that I gave up. I said to myself, "you must have to be rich to take pictures like you see in text books or magazines." Or at least it would be your job to take pictures. I never thought I could turn my latent passion into a hobby.

Recently I dug a little into my wallet (which was being kept for a special occasion, but that plan can kiss my hairy ass) and bought myself a nice DSLR (thats camera speak for too much money to spend on a camera). Granted I found some good deals, and did a fair amount of research before hand, but still spent a 1/4 of my month's earnings all together. But that includes the camera, a couple lenses, a weather proof bag, memory card and card reader.

Call me a girl (shut up before you even say it) but I love shopping. Not for clothes, but electronics and equipment. Taking home all these things made me happy.

I've only begun snapping pictures, less than I wanted to in the past two days due to the weather outside, but already I'm beginning to understand white balance, exposure/aperture, iso/shutter speed, etc...but I have yet to grasp the concept of taking a great photo. Once I get a day off work when the weather is clear, I'm going to all the parks and cities I can in a day and just filling up my entire 16GB memory card (which holds 2,100 pictures at 10 megapixels).

Finally, no restrictions, no being held back, no worrying about my future, just living. Doing what i want, not answering to anybody, and letting people get a glimpse of what I'm capable of. Not just in my photos, but in my ability to enjoy life and be a happy person.

Can't wait for the first snow fall, that's going to be a photo extravaganza for me.

I also have a flickr account which I will post a link to on this blog when I have enough decent pictures to upload, and you can all take a gander at some of my shots.

Obama....

2008-11-04T22:12:00.000-08:00

wins...FUCK PALIN!!! ^^^^^^^^^^

that is all.

Bras

2008-11-03T18:58:00.001-08:00

I've been hitting the gym hardcore for the past month and a half, as you may already know, and this "cardio" thing is really "hard".

Enough quotation faggotry.

So, it's been getting easier, as one would assume it would after doing it so much. But one thing that has gotten worse as time goes on, is i've noticed my right nipple has been getting fairly raw after a good while of elliptical running. Never bloody status, until tonight.

I was only on there for 10 minutes, just enough to burn off the Muscle Milk calories I ingested before the workout. Plus I had to take a crap, so it wasn't the best time to do my usual 2 mile "run" (fucking quotes). I finished the rest of my weight lifting regime, and went to the locker room. I happened to look down my own shirt, as I often practice how to do in case i come across a girl with huge....

Yea, so I notice the inside of my white cut-off shirt is fairly discolored around my areola. Quickly brining my head out of my shirt I look to the outside to see if I'd been doing my entire workout in front of hella people with a blood stain seeping through my shirt. Luckily, there wasn't enough blood to get through the other side of the shirt.

I bought two Underarmour shirts, which are basically skin tight body bras, to cope for this specific situation. However they were both dirty, and since I do my laundry one a month, It is unlikely that I can get a clean piece every time i work out.

Well, looks like I'm going to spend some of my hard earned bread on man bras, woo hoo! And for all you haters out there, I do look as ridiculous in Underarmour as you would think, shut up. I'm working on it, mm k?

Amnesicide

2008-10-23T01:45:00.000-07:00

Yea, I just made that word up.

Apparently they've come up with a way to chemically induce memory loss in mice now. Great, so we can all just forget about the thousands we've lost in the stock market. Well, I personally haven't invested in the stock market, so sucks for all the rest of you.

Anyhoo, so wouldn't it be nice to give rape victims the chance to forget about the horrifying experiences they've gone through? Or a veteran soldier who has one too many memories about his/her deployment. Perhaps it would be convenient to...no, it's wrong.

I'm sorry, but if we are getting to the point where we would be looking for ways to hide from our problems, humanity is becoming pussified. If one cant handle the situations life throws at them and wants to pretend they never happened, how are we going to advance in society?

Lets take the poor rape victim. She (sometimes a he...*shudder*) would normally be so traumatized that her friends and family would also get affected by the event. Thus either her or someone who was affected by her situation would strive to find the perpetrator and then perhaps continue on in life advocating for the victims of rape and arousing awareness about these horrible crimes. This then, may lead to the eventual disappearance of rape crimes and ultimately world peace.

Now if the rape victim had the choice to get rid of her memories, some may not believe she would be so traumatized. Yes it was still a terrible event, but it would not affect the victim as much as she would not have any recollection. Thus, maybe the friend or family member who would normally advocate in lieu of the traumatization of her loved one, would now just be sad enough to comfort where it is needed, but not to the extent at which she would have normally felt bad. This could throw society into a perpetual loop of disunity and crime, forever plunging our world into torment and chaos...

See why this is bad? Thought so.

I'm sure there are a lot of people out there that wouldn't mind having some of their memories wiped away, heck, even I have a good chunk of the past 10 years I'd like erased. But I wouldn't be the man I am today, or be pushed to make myself a better man than I might or might not have been if I didn't have these memories to egg me on.

We are who we are in life because of our experiences, good and bad. My good experiences outweigh my bad, but my bad experiences will mold me into an even better person, one who will avoid being fooled or have to go commit the same mistake because I erased the lesson I would have learned. Who is anyone to decide who gets to keep the good memories and erase the bad?

Screw mice, they are too easy to manipulate. They give us humans the wrong ideas. Playing God is for God and Al Gore, only.

The Rules

2008-10-20T22:45:00.000-07:00

Coming into work late, I can understand having repercussions. Leaving work early without manager approval, also not good. Switching shifts without approval, hell no.

But getting into trouble for clocking out at 5:25pm when you are scheduled until 5:30pm and it's COMPLETELY fucking dead in the store with 300 salespeople on the floor????? Really??

It's shit like this that has me wondering exactly how I want to leave this job. I've always respected the authority of my superiors and given my two weeks like any good employee, but some stuff going on lately has me questioning breaking my streak of leaving jobs on a good note.

If I'm on a computer, with internet access, and I've done my job in the store, and there is downtime, shouldn't I be able to go check some non-work related websites? I mean, in my case, that's either my car forums, or gadget sites. But apparently people have been abusing this "privilege" somehow and have ruined it for all of us, because we now have to go to our managers and ASK if we can take a "break" and browse the web...LOL!!!! FUCKING INCREDIBLE!!!

And I also got told to stop playing with my cell phone and be more professional looking...you MUST be fucking kidding me...I work for a God damn cell phone company, and I SELL phones, I sell the very phone that I'm told not to play with...If I don't do my job right, fire me or write me up for poor sales performance, because that is ultimately what the company wants, money. Don't fucking tell me to get off my cell phone while there is nothing to do in the store. It looks more unprofessional if you are are dawdling about looking like a tool, waiting for business to roll into the store. If my phone is so interesting that I'm playing with it, that should hint to customers that it might be a decent product. Anyway, fuck that, I don't need to make the stretch to justify my actions.

Shit needs to get better, and when I start my new dental job, its BYE-BYE to the last bit of my old life that I've been trying to get rid of.

An OS That Needs to Die

2008-10-20T22:18:00.000-07:00

Windows Mobile could quite possibly be the worst invention ever.

It's like a group of people got together and said, "hey, lets turn an already shitty operating system into a mobile platform to fuck people over on the go!!!"

Then all the corporate douchebags gave each other high fives and celebrated their moronity. Meanwhile, the slow collapse of society was left in the wakes of their douchebaggery.

Fuck, I mean, for a company who has only ONE fucking job to do, make software, it's incredible how frustrating every product with the software on it is. I don't care if its the best piece of hardware on the market, the fucking OS (operating system for you non-techy types) makes me want to throw the shit out an 11th story window.

Examples? Ok, most phones, when they freeze, will be in the middle of doing something...like making a call, text message, or email, something. But not windows mobile devices. Oh no, it's not that complicated. They can freeze doing ABSOLUTELY fucking nothing. I went to bed last night, feeling good that I got to bed before 1am, set my phone alarm for 8am to be at work by 9am.

Woke up at 8:35 in a frantic panic, and looked at my phone which read 3:26am...WTF?!?!?@#%!@?

Seriously, so I got a freeze frame of the time at which my phone decided to stop being functional. The screen wouldnt change, no matter how much I smashed on the screen to get it to unfreeze. Finally, I did something that updated the time to 8:36am, and I flew to work without brushing my teeth, doing my hair, buttoning my shirt, zipping up my fly, hooking my belt, or pissing.

Got to work 7 minutes late, the FIRST TIME IN MY 14 MONTHS AT THIS JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All thanks to this fucking piece of shit!

When i put myself together and walked onto the floor of the store to get my computer set up, I took the battery out of the phone, turned it back on and when it started up, my alarm goes off....

Temptations

2008-10-08T00:37:00.000-07:00

Like right now, I want to go find something to eat in my fridge/pantry. I know its late, in fact, its ridiculously late to even THINK about eating something. What's more, is that I don't want an apple, or a carrot, like I should want. Instead, I want more ice cream, more junk food, something sweet, fatty, really bad for you, etc...

I've been working out harder than I ever have in my life the past couple weeks, and it only makes sense that one would feel more inclined to continue with the good habits by eating healthy and sparingly.

But not this motha fucka, I've got the sick idea that since I'm working out, I'm somehow allowed to eat crappy foods. It's as if I'm convincing myself that I deserve the extra calories, because hey, I can afford to eat a little extra as long as I continue to work out...

NO!! God dammit, seriously. I almost convinced myself right there, as I was writing that, I felt confident in the words that I was typing were true. That's the damn problem, all these fatty foods. Shit, I want them all. I can't begin to imagine how much faster my weight-loss/sexy-gain would progress if I stopped acting like an IDIOT and started giving 200%, instead of 150%.

It's that damn temptation, the food that's close at hand, bad for you, and so tasty. Why can't I crave rice cakes? Ooo, chocolate chip rice cakes.......SEE!!!!!! I always want to make what I eat even worse for me. This has got to stop. And starting right now, my calorie limit is 2000 a day, with an average calorie loss of 200 per day.

That's doable, I just need to read the labels and think of letting all my readers (yes, the three of you) down with my promise of good behaviour. Did I just put a "u" in that word, like a damn Brit???

Anyway, food is the stupidest invention ever. Why can't we all just photosynthesize our nutrients like a fucking leaf? I'd be down to have guard cells all over my body, opening and closing when they need to.

Fucking plants, they have it so good.

The Grind

2008-10-03T09:12:00.000-07:00

Here we go, day 7 I believe, of my decision to change up my lifestyle.

More along the line of creating a busy environment for myself, hitting the gym 5 days a week, and eating RELATIVELY healthy, has been going fairly well. Yesterday was the first day I didnt work out for a week, and I felt like I was sinning by not going.

I think thats a good step, to feel bad for NOT going to the gym. Crazy regimes (at least for me) 2 miles on the eliptical, trying harder every time to increase calorie loss and distance is not easy for me. But I find that I LOVE sweating, to the point of it getting in my eyes and mouth...yes, gross, but it feels really good to work out that hard.

Weights? Yes, definitely. I'm not a small framed man, so I need to be catering to my enormous...ego, and build up the muscle that belongs in the currently fat body of mine. Being sore is a great feeling, and its something tangible that I can feel after a workout, as opposed to waiting for months for visual results.

Keeping buys is the key, which is why I picked 24hr Fitness, that way at any time of the day/night that I need to occupy myself, it's there for me. I've gone to the gym at midnight a couple times, it's really relaxing and care-free.

Also, I went to a sauna for the first time last week. It was quite an experience, however, I didn't begin to sweat for a while, I mostly had trouble breathing in the nasty-hot air. But eventually, I broke a sweat and it felt REALLY cleansing afterwards, except I went in with regular shorts and boxers, which isnt a good idea, because unless you plan to either change out of ALL your clothes or take a shower, it's not that pleasant trying to put on jeans or sit in a car...

Just have to keep at it. No pain, no gain, right? Story of my life

Misunderstood

2008-09-22T16:04:00.001-07:00

When you take pride in doing something you love, be it a hobby or career, you can't expect everyone to understand the way you feel about it.

There is almost always someone else who shares the passions in your life. Those are the people most like you. The people who can say they know how you feel, or love what you love not because they want to feel included in what you do, but because they ACTUALLY like doing it.

There are those, however, who can become borderline patronizing when it comes to trying to understand you. They try so hard to relate to you, that it becomes angering, or annoying. It could be a spouse, or a close friend, and it could be genuinely meant out of love or consideration. If its a friend, it could be seen as nice or encouraging at first. With a spouse, it could even be cute. But if it persists, it's not welcome. You would almost rather have them stop talking altogether than try and appreciate your passion(s) the way you do.

I love cars. A lot of people don't, they see them as means of transportation, or a method of showing off (money, tackiness, etc.). But some people see them as a hobby. Like REALLY a hobby. Wrenching, fiddling, or almost wanting something to go wrong so you can fix it. That's me. If i knew how to rewire my entire car, I would do it just for the hell of it.

For others, their hobby could be playing a sport, or reading books, or even writing books. That's cool, and unless you WANT me to take an interest in what you do, I wont pretend to be as enthusiastic about it as you. Everyone needs their "thing", and that "thing" separates a person from the rest of the crowd, it's unique to that individual and part of their personality.

It's possible for people to resent that individuality, that uniqueness. Perhaps because they don't have something they are so strongly passionate about. Maybe they just want your attention or don't want you getting attention for what you love to do. At least that's what it seems like, people have a tendency to act weird when they encounter something that's different.

So be it. I just do my thing, others do theirs, we live on.

But sometimes, one can have a passion, that can get so out of hand and become so obsessed, that it almost turns into something else. True, I love my car, I love that I love my car. If I don't have my car for a week, I miss it like crazy. If I'm on vacation and my car is in a different state, and I can't touch it, I go crazy.

Even if my car breaks down, and needs some time in the shop to be fixed (because Im not so mechanically inclined to fix it), I'll resent my car for breaking. But really, I'll be wishing I could at least see it, or know what it's status is.

I'm a freak, whatever. I'm talking about my car like its a person. Isn't that crazy? Why would I talk like my car is alive, and why would I miss my car, like it's a part of my life that I don't want gone?

I need some therapy. A couple hours under the hood should do the trick.