keeping up

it seems i've been so busy lately. i've lost the grasp of how valuable time can be. i see a month in pay periods, days off as a relief, and work has become my 1st home; our apt the 2nd. i know that i'm lucky to have what i have and to have such a great job, but it sure is taxing sometimes. 

on the bright side, i finally got my new phone. i went with the g1. white. it's so much better than any other phone i've ever had...still figuring out all the bells and whistles :)

i ordered the harry potter book series on half.com the other day. after seeing film 6 the second time...i realized there's just way too much stuff going on that they can't possibly put into the movies. still, i love sci-fi. it just makes my imagination run.

all in all, i have everything i want. wife, job, dog, good friends, great family...everything is going so good. our next big venture is going to be house shopping. such a giant step, but i think we are growing into the right mind-sets on what we want/need. i'm sure there will be much more talk of this at a later date. i'd kill for something that is super mid century, but very modern as well. i can't wait.

the good day

so, after 24 years of being a child, it finally sinks in. the most cliche saying of all time becomes true: everything happens for a reason. all the heartache, struggle, testing, headaches...its all for a bigger reason. 

life has treated me well, and i think this past year i've leaped miles in maturity. i've still got more than my fair share to learn, but so far everything is making sense. 

this is the happiest i've been really ever, and i can't see how it could change. 

until next time...

the busy life

so, dear journal of mine...its been quite some time since ive written in you. it could be that i just don't want to send the last post of our vacation further away. reality sucks sometimes. i've also been the busiest ive ever been. it seems that even though i'm working earlier for the most part, i'm working harder and with less days off. i went 6 days with no day off, and then i'll go another 7 before i'm off again. dont get me wrong, it's what i wanted. just harder. 

i did sneak some time in to finally see harry potter this morning.

that's right, the 10am showing i went to at 8:30. i know how demanding those little kiddies are, and sure enough...i was first in line. the movie was amazing. i didn't like the ending at first, until i realized what it was. its just like in LOTR, the two towers. some people dont like it because its not as action motivated or there's no epic battle ending it. the bad guys look to be winning. but this is how great stories are told. this is the calm before the storm. it left me begging to see the next one, and i surely wouldn't mind waiting before mall opening hours again. 

also, my car has really been a bummer lately. this was exactly what i wanted, down to the t, and it's just proven to be more hassle than its worth. i think i might try and trade the golf in for this. this exact one. i love these cars, have for a while. and with a name like honda, i feel pretty secure owning one. 

other than my car crapping out and working more than ever, life is still good. i love what i have, what i work for, and who i share with. 

paradise

we landed back in the US yesterday completely disappointed our trip came and went so quickly. it was a perfect vacation. spending so much time with my love day and night was the only way this scenery could have been any better. you can check chant's facebook for many more pictures. 

for most days, we woke up fairly early. the sun rises there so quickly and early you don't want to miss out on any daylight. so we'd wake up and head to the breakfast buffet. this was no ordinary buffet...they had it all. any kind of fruit, pastry, bacon, eggs, waffles, pancakes, milk, cereal, omelet-maker, i mean everything. bottomless mimosas, or whatever else you wanted. straight from breakfast we would head out to the beach. we'd spend most time under a cabana or sunbathing until we were too hot to continue. 

i'm in love with this pic i took of G + C  i carved in the cabana post. 

 then it was off to one of the 4 major pools. they had a swim up bar so you don't even have to leave the water to get a drink. it was amazing. 

after lunch, we'd usually swim more and play water volleyball/drink more mixed drinks. i preferred the banana daquiri most days. we'd head back to the room to get ready for dinner next, which you could choose from about 6 different resteraunts. we tried them all. after dinner we would relax at different lounge areas across the resort. i've never seen such a well designed hotel. after long conversations and lots of laughs, we'd retire back to our room. here's a peek of what we got to sleep in each night:

all in all it was the best vacation i've ever been on. its so refreshing to put yourself in a place you've never been before, where your language you speak and are so comfortable with isn't the norm. to anyone who is thinking of planning a vacation anywhere, i'd definitely recommend doing an all-inclusive package. not worrying about any finances while you are on vacation makes it so much more of just that...a vacation. 

each day we were there i was reminded of my relationship with chant. i know that i found something rare. i'm so so lucky to have been given this opportunity, and to share it with her. 

friends, trips, and phones

well, since last post, luis and bethany got married. the wedding was amazing, exactly how they wanted it i'm sure. through this wedding i've met some really great people. it's funny how circumstances that can seem indifferent can turn out to be more than what you could have hoped for. 

we leave for mexico on saturday! this is the very first trip i have ever taken (out of texas) without any friends or family. funny, because the one person going with me is now both a friend, and family :) it is going to be a wonderful experience and i cannot wait to wake up and be feet away from the beach, frozen beverage in hand. it will be a great getaway.

once i return, i've been thinking of a new purchase. my sidekick is about to just stop working, i can feel it. he likes to turn off in my pocket without restarting. or lose service mid text message. or rip a hole in the pocket of my jeans. all in all, its time for an upgrade. i can't decide on what to get...there's the white G1:

or the cell phone tyrant, the iphone:

i know that both can handle my mindless internet endeavors, as well as the standard texting and phone calls. i just don't know which will suit me best. either way, its a 100% improvement over what i'm dealing with now.

life in the fast lane

this has been a pretty crazy week. i started the new position at work on monday. so far, so good. it's nice to be the one in charge for once. not to ask for anything. i'm hoping it stays as good as it is now, i really can't complain a bit about it. also this week, its luis/beth's wedding. two nights ago, all luis's close friends took him out to speedzone, barcadia, and then the remainder of men who didn't have to work early the next day went to some club. speedzone is always a blast. we spent about 2 hours racing there, had some drinks, and some bar food. after speedzone, barcadia sealed the night. 

we played some vintage games for a while, then found our way to the patio outside where they have over-sized jenga games. writing about jenga just doesn't do it justice. the atmosphere and the group made the game hilarious. the loser had to buy luis a drink. i think we played 4 games total. i strategized immensely to i didn't lose.

i've been jamming this alot this week too:

the songs are just so well written. the music is great. and i really love the mixing of the recordings. deep down, i really wish they never broke up. i know something great was on the horizon for them. to each his own though. just means something bigger and better will come along...it always seems to. i think its safe to say that just about anything will sound good through my birthday present from chant's mom:

be jealous.

best pictures

so this week, three pictures were taken that really struck a chord in me. really feeling all of them. 

i'll start with lucy's:

this is one that my sister took with her phone at ton's right before i enjoyed my mongolian delights:

and this last one is probably the best pic i've seen of chantal that i can remember...kind of picture that gives me butterflies:

had a great birthday. nothing matters more to me than being surrounded by love.

the near future

finally. someone saw that i'm all the things that are worth promoting. i'll be starting my new position the 1st! now i can actually start saving money while paying off my bills. life is good. 

lately i've been seeing alot of these:

chant just really isn't a fan at all. says they are wimpy. i think its fantastic. i could whip in and out of any parking spot, dodge traffic...who knows what else. probably even jump through time.  i'd probably get a white one just like in the pic. they are fairly inexpensive, great on gas...and you look pretty cool driving one too, i think. smart car or not, i will absolutely be getting one of these, some day:

just two more days til my birthday. only plan so far is to go to arlington after work on saturday. i think we shall go to ton's mongolian grill. ton's is a tasty delight consisting of noodles, oils/spices, and whatever meats you choose. i usually get a ton of sausage, pineapples, immitation crab meat, and shrimp. i'm ready.

early presents

i keep forgetting my birthday is just a few days away. its funny how fast time goes by each year. i'll turn around twice, and it'll be christmas again. so so strange. i remember being a kid, and getting report cards every 6 weeks...and thinking how long of a span that was. now, 6 weeks is calculated into 3 paychecks. not long. 

chant's bday present to me came in the mail yesterday. check these out! so awesome:

so this time at work...there is a very very real shot at becoming an assistant manager. i'm really trying to put my best foot forward. the thought of a salary is just so attractive, especially in this current economy. i've had my fingers crossed for a while now, and think this could be it (lets hope at least.)

not much else to say at the moment. half finished with jaws 2. off on sunday. awaiting the promotion news until then. i hope the rain predicted doesn't happen. i'd love to keep this weather forever.

a day of reading

its been a good week so far. not too much going on, but its just been strangely pleasant. i got 3 new shirts for free at work from penguin:

as most "blog" days go, i've been off today as well. walked lucy around the apt complex earlier, did a little laundry, and had some subway for lunch. i always love subway (not more than pd johnsons, of course)..except their tea. something about subway iced tea is terrible. and they don't have real sweet & low. its like a mixture of metal, tea, and soap that you taste. and it's not just one particular location...its everywhere. 

the rest of my day has been spent reading while the laundry was going. i bought this from an antique store a few weeks ago and forgot about it! i'm already 5 chapters deep...no pun intended.

 i cracked open our french doors and let the breeze in while lucy and i relaxed and read. gabe gave me the first original jaws when we were in new york for our wedding. since then, i've been reading a lot more lately. i mentioned in an earlier post the "walking dead" comics, and now i'm on to jaws 2. i plan to start the harry potter series eventually, which reminds me: if anyone owns them and doesn't mind lending me one at a time...i'd appreciate it :) 

welp, the next logical step in my day would be to shower and await the wife for dinner. sounds like a plan to me.

she-cop

today has been a semi-eventful day off, thus far. after i poked around craigslist for a bit, i got up and took lucy to the dog park. she hadn't been in a few weeks, so her aggression had been building up. she needed to go, and as usual...loved it. we got a grilled cheese sandwich from sonic on the way home. i say we because once i opened it, she helped herself to a bite from over my shoulder. sneaky weasel. after sonic, i came home, and gave her the necessary bath. she's always covered in mud and lake water. next, i dropped the vacuum out our 2nd story window and vacuumed out my car. that was also wayyyy overdue. it does feel nice to have that chore out of the way. i'm on the brink of a shower now myself, just waiting til the right moment. 

i've been given some options on how to spend the evening. chant says we can go to on the border (my personal fav) or get wings for dinner. either way i win, because they are both so tasty. also, we can see star trek tonight, or just rent a movie and stay in. same as with dinner...if its with her, i'm usually ok with it. 

so the city of arlington and i had a little scuffle on mother's day. needless to say, they won. i've been procrastinating getting my vehicle registration updated. its been out since 08/08. i was just going to update it on its next birthday of 08/09. well, the she-cop who pulled me over didn't understand my goals, thus gave me a ticket. this is the part that was frustrating. i did absolutely nothing wrong to get pulled over. i was infront of her the whole time. she sped up to get my liscence plate number and 'ran me' in the system for NO REASON. unsatisfied with her no warrants and no other traffic violations, she pulled me over just to issue me a ticket for the registration. congratulations officer. job well done. one more hard day's work.

i suppose i will carry on with my day as planned. showering and relaxing til the wife comes home. this is all for now.

lately...

i mentioned in an earlier post that we were headed to speedzone. while we were there, i took a great photo of chant, pictured here:

it wasn't one she posed for, or even knew i took for that matter. just thought she looked beautiful in it.

tonight we redid our computer area. we've still been watching a lot of HGTV...which inspired chant to do a 'frame wall'. here it is:

she gets most of the credit, i was simply the frame hanger. i think it looks really neat...its refreshing to change up a space you see everyday. she will post pics of our apartment later i'm sure. we are getting super anxious about looking for homes. we still have over 8 months here in this apt, but i'm ready for my MAN SPACE. lol. 

well, i made a new song today. it's definitely catchy...i think at least. i'll post soon once brad figures out how to make the lyrics sound better. 

this is all for now. 

high fashion sorority girls

yesterday, chant and i enjoyed a sunday off together. it was such a relaxing day, though the weather was pretty grey and unwelcoming. we saw the new x-men movie...which was great. 

for the most part, the effects looked real. i will say that i think i enjoy the other movies better, only because with the team...there is room for more story lines. still give it my thumbs up though. yesterday was also another PD johnson's day. i just cant say enough about these sandwiches. 

while we were at PD johnson's, i was reminded of something i wanted to say in here long ago. this applies to all you current college ladies or college bound seniors: please don't wear this...

i know your 'sisters' higher in rank wear it all, loose greek t-shirt under that northface, but it doesn't mean you have to as well. and the nike shorts? you aren't fooling anyone. we know you've never actually run a day in your life. and the ugg boots...its texas. you can respectably wear those for about 6 weeks here...definitely not a year round type of shoe. so the next time you get ready for your big day at the mall or cruising around your local west village, understand that everyone around you that's not included in your horribly dressed cult thinks you look like a fool. its ok to have your own identity. i know its scary out there, trying to impress all the elders with wearing exactly what they wore, but try something new. 

that's been a long time coming. 

if i offended anyone out there who this applies to, i'm not sorry. look in the mirror.

concrete plans

luis introduced me to the comic series "the walking dead". its more than what it sounds like, though it is about zombies. it is fascinating to me, because it takes that 'what if' factor and runs with it. it shows these characters lives and what they do and how they change with the times...its great and i love reading them. its only been a week or two, and i'm on the seventh volume already. definitely a great way to occupy a lunch break. 

chant and i finally decided on a honeymoon spot. we will be heading to mexico june 13th through the 17th. its going to be the best trip we've ever been on. i've been to mexico before, but nothing like this. it will be fantastic to lay on a beach and have drinks delivered to you (no additional charge) and soak up the sun. this will also be the first trip we've ever taken together alone. it should be a great great time. here's a sneak peek of what we will be staying in:

all in all, i can't complain about a thing. things are really looking up, and i can't wait to experience all we have planned. these next few weeks should fly by, and before i know it...i'll be in paradise.

everything is alright

another day off and i'm ready for speedzone! its only 9:30, but super sunny and will be about 72 today. such a great day. 

the past week at work has been great. i've been quite focused while i'm there, which is definitely showing in the numbers. i think i was in a funk for a while, but i'm seeing the way again. 

got my new guitar. its so amazing. the sound is just perfect. 

and finally, chant and i have been looking to plan our honeymoon. we are thinking an all inclusive beach resort. just get away from it all for a week. my heart races just thinking about it. its been so long since i've been to an ocean in the hot sun. if there's a shark cage trip included in this "all inclusive", you better believe i'm doing it.

short blog today, not much more to say at the moment. life is good. 

meet lucy

well, its another day off and i'm feeling pretty good. got a few chores to do today, laundry and trash...the usual. i don't mind though. got up early this morning and watched heroes, and then i've been lounging with my puppy up until now. for those who don't know her, this is lucy:

i'm going to meet a fella from craigslist today at 2pm to do a guitar swap. he's getting my black telecaster, i'm getting his orange gretsch. i think i'm coming out on top...

i think today is a PD Johnson's kind of day. i highly recommend their sandwiches. truly, they blow potbelly's, subway, even quizno's out of the water. nothing quite like it. 

to conclude my last party post, the night went without any problem. well, it hailed outside for a few minutes...but was fun none-the-less. a word of wisdom to those who plan to host a party: if you plan on bringing your own tables, chairs, keg, food, etc...don't do it in a room on a second floor with no elevator. it was definitely worth all the hard work, it looked amazing. 

i suppose i will start the laundry process now. this is all for now...

star of the show

tonight is our (second) big night. the "reception party" from our wedding. its going to be so great. i've been downloading songs for the past few days...got a solid playlist. i have my attire picked for the evening, cleanly pressed and ready to go:

also, i have a keg full of shiner in the back of my golf. it was an awkward drive home from the store to say the least:

it's going to be a great night. surrounded by loved ones and dancing the night away. until next time..

this is love

for the longest time i can remember dreaming about a relationship that was worth the effort that they require. i had my share of girlfriends in the past, and was about to abandon the dream of finding someone to call my wife. then when i thought i had myself figured out, i realized i had buried myself inside a shell. it was a shell of immaturity, pity, doubt, irresponsibility, and misery. i didn't see a way out. i had settled on being this trapped person for who knows how long. a prisoner of myself. then something i wasn't prepared for happened; someone saw a light inside me that i didn't see myself. i was cherished. my company was more than invited...it was needed. for the first time i felt real love. i felt the real version of what i thought i had felt so many times before, but had been clouded by peer pressure or misunderstandings. it was a time for me to dust off my heart and try something new, something fresh. i went to visit this person in california (twice) where she was staying at the time. these were truly the best times of my life. she woke up my sense of love, and made me see myself for who i am today.

the first visit was so overwhelming that i couldn't focus on anything. i was still in disbelief that this person who i had been so fond of for years had actually requested my company. immediately i knew that she and i were made for each other...though it took a few days to show her the same. my face hurt i smiled so much. i've never had 'butterflies' for such an extended amount of time. this was still the stage where i couldn't hold eye contact for over a few seconds in fear i might turn bright red. it didn't matter, i felt my cheeks get hot every time she spoke to me. this first trip ended with the biggest feeling of complication i had experienced to date. i didn't want to leave, she didn't want me to leave, but my plane ticket made the decision for us.

a few days later and back in texas, a new ticket was purchased for the next week to go back out.

this trip might as well have been a movie. from start to finish, it was perfect. i arrived at LAX and was greeted with a traffic-stopping kiss outside the airport, which set the pace for the remainder of the trip. this was the love that has grown into our relationship now.

i find myself often feeling bad for others who cannot experience what we have. i really am the luckiest man in the world, or at least i think so. its such a blessing to have someone who is there for you, can pick you up when you are down, make you believe in yourself, and take the time to show you love in every move they make throughout the day.

the plan i formulated in california years ago finally came to life this february. chantal and i got married in central park, new york on valentine's day. my life has officially been restarted as new role of husband. its definitely going to be a journey, but i can't think of anyone else i'd rather be in it with. i wake up every morning next to a dream come true. there isn't one thing i would change about her. to me, she is perfect.

sci-fi

i suppose it all started way back before i could make a conscious decision for myself. i'd stay at my grandparents house a few weekends of the year, and without fail...it was a weekend full of science. my grandad was fascinated with it. space, time, how things worked, discovery...you name it he loved it. and it definitely wore off on me. the unknown is so much more fun than what we already know. i remember watching this old old movie about time travel, every time i went over to their house. or digging holes in the backyard hoping to discover something. and going to the science place to see the exibits. such an amazing time in my life that i wouldn't trade for anything. i guess this has captured my attention for much longer than childhood. i can't get enough of sci-fi. every week i wait for lost and heroes. i've watched star wars and lord of the rings and jurrasic park more times than you would probably ever care to. and now, i'm on the edge of my seat for the new harry potter and where the wild things are.





oh they are going to be great. i guess its the little things, like imagination, that keep life interesting. sure, its great to know what we know. its also mind blowing the things we don't yet know. aliens, monsters, time travel, immortality, wizards, just think about it...

a day to myself

today has been a perfect day off. filled with nothing to do but relax and enjoy some time alone...or rather time with lucy. we laid in bed til almost 10, then i took her on a walk down to the lake. she was still pretty tired from her trip to the dog park yesterday with chant, so she's been sleeping for the rest of the day. went to subway for lunch, it was delicious as usual. got some gas, then opted not to wash my car because it's been rather gray lately. don't want to risk a clean car vs. the rain. 

i was thinking on my walk earlier that in may, i'll be 24 years old. sounds so old, and so young all at the same time. i remember being in junior high and thinking how cool it would be to be in high school. then in high school how cool it would be to be married and out on your own. now that i'm there, i don't know what to expect. its like life has strict guidelines up until mid 20's...then its every man for himself. scary, but exhilarating. we still toy with home-owning, kids, careers, etc. its all so much to think about, but in such a good way. i love the life i have. i love that the things i have were well worked for. i don't take anything for granted anymore. there comes a point in everyones life where they have to start fending for themselves. once this happens, the sweet becomes sweeter. sure i'd love to have someone buy me a new car or a closet full of new clothes...but at the end of the day, those aren't my things. though the good things we have are not as many as we desire, they are reflections of hard work and love and a reminder of who we are. maybe i've been watching too much hgtv...i don't know...

i also decided last night that i will try, i mean really try to give up cokes for a while. don't get me wrong...i love a tasty coke more than your average guy. they are just so horrible for you. and the problem how easily accessible they are. everywhere you go, its included with your meal. or in line at the grocery store. or at the machine at work. ugh. so for now, i will try to turn a blind eye and focus on being that much healthier. 

work. house. music.

today and tomorrow i have to close at work. its really not going to be all that fun, really...i promise. hopefully we will have a stronger night business both days. i'm actually relying on it. its getting to the point where we have (had) such a solid team that its like we were making too much money. so they hired more. and more. and more. now, we are completely over-staffed and well under-paid. its such a problem now and i don't know where to start. it seems the higher up in the company i could take this issue to, is where it is all beginning. hopefully it will all pan out, it usually does.

been making music again. this time, its good. really good. better than anything i've done before. its my dream that i can eventually get the people that want this as much as i do to join forces and make this a reality. it could happen. anything can happen. 

chant and i have been toying with the idea of being homeowners. its such a scary realization when you understand that you are at the doorstep of that level. its time though. we need a yard. and an extra room. solid walls. no one living above/below/around us. it would be so nice...

here is a place we found thats not too far from a possibility. it looks like the "full house" house:

rock and roll

so i have been bartering with a fellow on the craigslist about guitars. i think i'm going to straight up trade my telecaster for this:



granted, it is an epiphone, but i've played on one before and i love it. not to mention if its this natural finish...that rules.

made a new jam that i sent to brad. i hope he can tweak it to where its decent enough to throw down on a myspace for public listening. been thinking of a "band name"...probably harder than naming a child. the best one i've thought of, probably ever...'jump start my machine heart'. i figure if you're going to do it, do it right. sounds cool. kids will remember it. you will love it. goodnight for now, i'll be back soon.

dog park and dentist

its been a perfect day. the temperature is 65, not a cloud in the sky. took lucy to the dog park...its her favorite place in the world. when we first got her, she was terrified of the lake water. now, i toss the ball way out in the middle of the water, and she dives in after it. so nice to enjoy the outdoors. 

chant had to go to the dentist last month, and while she was there, she asked when my last visit was. to all of our amazement, its been roughly 5 years. so, she went ahead and scheduled me for today. i don't mind going, especially because the dentist is my uncle. just a bummer. its always in the back of your mind that somethings going to go wrong...we shall see. 

watched lost. its amazing to me that such a ridiculous story line can be so well played out. i mean, if you are a fan and have watched all episodes...you have to admit its a bit unfathomable. still, supremely entertaining. i can't wait to see how it all ties in at the end. at this point, i can't get my head around the time or the place or who's meeting who in what year. still great though. i'm sure it'll all make sense by the end of it. always seems to. 

i guess i will go ahead and shower today, though its a day off. can't go into the dentist smelling like the dog park. go enjoy this day.

a day of music

i've been off today, spending the majority of my time online. been creepin the facebook. been readin blogs. been findin old music i desperately needed. 

its intriguing that simple things like old songs you used to listen to constantly can bring you right back to that same place. i remember relentlessly teaching myself on guitar the entire ataris' record "blue skies, broken hearts, next 12 exits". just found it online...went ahead and downloaded. for that particular time, this record was great. i'm still impressed with the song writing, the mixing, and all the catchy guitar riffs. god i love this record. really really really makes me happy. others for this time of my life include the starting line and the blink-182 record. good times.

chant wanted me to find her the lily allen record. just did, and i have to admit...its pretty incredible. she definitely has her own style, one i normally wouldn't give any attention to. but something about it triggered my curiosity, now i'm listening to it in its entirety. 

i tried to write some music today. its frustrating that i can stand at work all day and write the best song to date in my head, but then when i'm off work and actually trying...fail miserably. i know it's in me. i know that in some form, its a part of my life. it always has been. i've never wanted anything like i've wanted music. some people are put here to heal. some to govern. some to protect. some to entertain. some to inspire. i'd love to end up on the other side of the norm, and actually appreciate and adore my job. hopefully one day all my cards will align and it'll happen. i don't even care if i play my own music, produce it, record it, promote it...as long as its there i'll enjoy. until next time...