Jason Mraz is Lucky

During my marathon training, I've gotten over listening to that club music with the synthetic beats going at 100+ BPM. I'm looking for something more chill and relaxed....something that I can really space out to while I'm running an estimated 13 miles. In that pursuit, I'm stumbled upon an artist that has probably been around for awhile, but his name is....

Jason Mraz!

I was first introduced to Jason Mraz when he was a muscal guest on SNL, but I didn't really pay any attention to him then. It wasn't until my ex-supervisor mentioned that her song of the day was "Lucky" by Jason Mraz featuring Colbie Cailat. me, being a fan of Colbie, got home and previewed some of Jason Mraz's CD on iTunes. And it was what I was looking for.

This CD is going in those mixes of mine when I want to feel good. I always feel like pouring myself a glass of wine, kicking back in my non-existent leather recliner, and fire up the fireplace.

If you like a new kind of feel good music, and tired of that mainstream Top 40, Pop, and recycled music, give Jason a chance. You might end up liking him.

Domo origato, Mister Roboto

I'm a robot! You heard me right....I'm a robot! Like Bender from Futurama!!!!

I was talking with a friend the other day and he made the comment that I'm always busy. I'm always either working, at the gym, cooking, doing laundry, playing with my niece, doing something for my parents, or on the phone. I am in constant motion and have difficulties to relax.

When I ponder more about that comment, I can also see that in myself growing up. Elementary school I was always busy with Student Council and with band. Jr. High I was in sports, band, and Student Council. High school, I was in band, worked, apart of clubs. And college, OMG, do we really need to go there as well. In between classes, work, there was Kababayan and planning for PCN.

Yikes! Did I mention I'm a robot...?

I always feel this need to be in constant motion. Like a comet in space that just keeps going, going, and going. And I wouldn't say like the Energizer bunny because everyone knows that Duracells last longer. But what is keeping me from just sitting and chillin? Even when I try to do that, I'm either reading, listening to music, or playing video games. Even at work, although any downtime is welcomed, I don't feel like I'm being productive. I guess that's why Yoga works for me cause at least that is an attempt to relax.

I need to learn how to not spread myself too thin, to not bite off more than I can chew, to savor the flavor, and stop and smell the roses. I'm trying to learn that and take sometime for myself.

I'm planning on getting away for a weekend, without anyone. Maybe I'll look up on Expedia those quick getaway deals and just spend time by myself; without obligations, responsibilities.

Did I also mention that I tomorrow would be my 13th day working consecutively?!

I like to write in "The Notebook"

Netflix is good to me! Not only do they deliver movies to me, but also makes recommendations. But sometimes, their recommendations aren't really what I expect, so I take recommendations from others.

My current movie is "The Notebook". The story of love that doesn't die and keeps on going. I'm not quite done with it yet, but I'm halfway through. I like the story and I'm inspired to read the book now. I see myself as Allie, a free spirit who at times doesn't know what she wants, or not clear of her direction. But I also see myself as Noah, who is bold and driven by his emotions.

As the movie progresses, I'm drawn closer to the relationship that these two characters develop. And as I'm reading this, I'm actually starting to get emotional; almost teary. The music doesn't help either to convey the emotions.

This movie got me sold. I want to read the book, buy the soundtrack, and watch it all over again! Watch it! You'll love it!

Can you "Hook Me Up"?

I had a random impulse to buy a CD today. And I really wanted my purchase to be worth it, and like everything, cost efficient. So I went to Best Buy and bought The Veronicas's CD Hook Me Up.

And I love it! I remember the first time I heard The Veronicas was during Christmas time on my iPhone AOL Radio. It was the song Untouched. I liked it. Then iTunes offered the video Untouched for free, and I liked the video also, I just had to buy it.

I listened to it today while on my jog, and the CD is awesome! They are songs that you can really rock out or dance to. I like their cover of "Goodbye to You", "Hook Me Up", and "Popular". There are other songs on there that I like but I can't remember which songs they were. LOL.

Preview it on iTunes. I'm sure you'll like it!

Let out the "Rage" of the weekend

Last Friday was enjoyable!  I took my sister, her boyfriend, her boyfriend's two friends, and my cousin out to Rage in West Hollywood!  They had never been there and they are all straight.  I think it's great that they were open minded to go and to my surprise, they all enjoyed it!

I also enjoyed it cause the DJ was playing all the dance hits and I didn't want to leave the dance floor.  From when we got there, I danced a full 3 hours without a break.  My knees were hurting the next day.

It was nice seeing all of the friends and also seeing you know who.  I was actually quite surprised he survived my non-stop dancing.  LOL  He was a trooper!

And turns out, my sister and her boyfriend, and a bunch of their friends are going this Friday as well.  I hope they have fun again!

The next few days I was not expecting it, but I ended up working both Sat and Sun at my other job.  It was good times but nonetheless, I'm worried that I might be burnt out before this week is done, because I'm supposed to work this Saturday as well.  That's about 13 days back to back working!  

I've done it before, and I can still do it!  And somehow manage to getting my miles in..... Yikes!

Best of luck

Although my life right now is going through some reorganization in terms of relationships, I'm glad to hear that some of my friends have a special someone.  I seriously found out that 4 of my friends are talking to someone.

I hope things go well guys!

Best of luck to you all!

A New Warrior has joined the battle

If you lived in a cave during the 90's, then you will remember the infamous Street Fighter franchise and it's million on iterations.  Everything from Street Fighter II, Turbo Street Fighter II, the remix, the hyper, etc etc.  I remember spending lots of time with my cousins at the arcades playing that game and then when it come out on the SNES, that was the life of the family parties.  I remember there were these 2 boys also who swore there was a code you could put in to allow you to play as the boss characters.  Yeah right, at least unless you had a Game Genie!

But now there is Street Fighter 4 which I picked up today.  I never really played Street Fighter 3 or the Alpha series, but I did play the Vs Marvel series!  Awesome!

This game though is right up on there.  The visual style is taking some used to but it works well.  I've only really played 20 mins of it, and other than that, I am pleased.  Online play was good and I kept getting my butt kicked.  

If you got a PS3, hit me up.  My PSN name is BEERvin.  But I do recommend this game.  Was work my $64.64 I paid!  And added, I don't have buyer remorse cause I used my Gamestop credit.  Woohoo!!!

When it rains, it pours

Today was a tumultuous day!  Not only was in raining, it was a holiday and so not many people went to work.  I unfortunately was one of those people who had to work.

Grrr!!!

But tumultuous is a term that describes these times too gently!  The ocean is roaring mad and it's taking out everything in its wake and leveling out the playing field.  Today my supervisor was fired.  WOW!  We were all shocked at the office.  And to top it all off, my friend Roy got fired today too!

There are so many layoffs going on.  My cousin was let go awhile ago, a co-workers husband was laid off, our CEO and CFO of our office retired and ventured off to new endeavours.  Times are getting scary and continue to get scary.

When it rains, it pours!

Kick it up a notch!

Today was week 2 of my training with the A Snail's Pace Running Academy.  It was a great run today.  We did about 5 miles and although there were many times I wanted to stop and walk, I kept on jogging.  You really learn to value those 1 min walks in between.

I'm glad that I'm keeping up with the group.  I got to meet more people today and saw some familiar ones.  I ran with Joanne, she's from the UK; a gal I met last week.  She's really cool!  And also I met Laura who actually works in the video game industry.  Oh don't think I didn't try to get E3 tickets cause I did...not going to happen unfortunately.

I think this week I'm going to try and train going 5 run/1 walk during my lunch break and hopefully I can get in some more mileage during the week.  Thankfully, next Sunday we are only running 5 miles again.

What did I get myself in to?  It's like an addiction!  Now I know why my trainer friend loves to do it!

I'm loving it too!

Officially missing you

This one is dedicated to anyone who is "Officially Missing" someone. Many people come and go in to our lives, and sometimes wishing they would come back. Maybe a past lover, someone who you were talking to or interested in, maybe a good friend you haven't heard from in a long time, or a family member that passed on....this one goes out to you! I, for one, am "Officially Missing You!"

My Valentine's/Single's Awareness Day

What did I do today?  Here's a run down...

1. woke up around 11am

2. Cooked myself some breakfast

3. Spent some Valentine's Day time with myself

4. Took a shower

5. Did some laundry

6. Went to the mall and other stores

7. Found out my car headlights were burnt out

8. Bought some new headphones

9. Blogged for most part of the day

10. Went to bed early (10pm) cause of marathon training early the next morning

Yeah....pretty uneventful!  Aw well...there is always next year!

Happy Valentine's Day or Single's Appreciation Day!  Appreciate that special someone one....today!

Reflection and remembering

I was browsing through youtube videos yesterday, lame as it sounds, and I came across Chris Cenadana's song. It's about losing contact with someone who really impacted your life. It's a great song and a wonderful message. Now only if my mom would take that advice and try to re-capture some of the love lost with her family and friends instead of continuing to alienate them.

Boy Bar @ Hamburger Mary's

Last night on Friday the 13th, I wasn't planning on doing anything. I had actually gotten in to my area, did some quick shopping for new running gear, and then went off to the gym to run a few miles (3 to be exact). My cousin calls me and invites me to go to the Lion's Den for a friend's b-day party.

Plans are all set, and a co-worker of mine was set to come along also. Then I get the call, "It's canceled. We're not going anymore!". Oh hell, I got ready for nothing I'm thinking to myself. But no, I wasn't going to let that time be wasted. My co-worker and I decided to go out still, and out we did.

We went to Boy Bar at Hamburger Mary's in Long Beach right next to the Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles. It was a Valentine's Day theme. Although I was with a friend, still felt lonely. Wished someone else was there with me but that is an on-going struggle and story for another time =/

Anyways, it was alright. Not a lot of people there probably because it was Friday the 13th, cold, and it was one of those days you just wanted to bundle up in the house because it was rainy.

We had drinks, danced, and talked. Maybe I'll go again some other time.

Retro Video Game Wallpapers

So you all know I love video games and this just made me happy.  Check out these video game wallpapers!  But this artist also has some really cool pieces.  I like the art style and the feel that these pieces give.  Wish I could create something like that, but I'm talented in my own ways. Hehehe

http://Orioto.deviantart.com/

Friday the 13th....the myth!

I got this email from work.  I don't believe in Friday the 13th superstition but here are some interesting things I noticed yesterday for myself:

1. There weren't many people traveling on the train

2. A pedestrian was killed by a Metrolink train yesterday because they were trespassing on the tracks

3. It rained!

4. My iPhone arm strap doesn't work anymore, and dropped to the ground, bringing my earphones with it, almost ripping my piercing with it!

5. Original plans to go out got canceled only to be replaced with new plans

Coincidence?!  No, just unfortunate turn of events.  LOL

13 Facts About Friday the 13th

livescience.com – Thu Feb 12, 10:30 pm ET
If you fear Friday the 13th, then batten down the hatches. This week's unlucky day is the first of three this year.
The next Friday the 13th comes in March, followed by Nov. 13. Such a triple whammy comes around only every 11 years, said Thomas Fernsler, a math specialist at the University of Delaware who has studied the number 13 for more than 20 years.

By the numbers
Here are 13 more facts about the infamous day, courtesy of Fernsler and some of our own research:
1. The British Navy built a ship named Friday the 13th. On its maiden voyage, the vessel left dock on a Friday the 13th, and was never heard from again.

2. The ill-fated Apollo 13 launched at 13:13 CST on Apr. 11, 1970. The sum of the date's digits (4-11-70) is 13 (as in 4+1+1+7+0 = 13). And the explosion that crippled the spacecraft occurred on April 13 (not a Friday). The crew did make it back to Earth safely, however.

3. Many hospitals have no room 13, while some tall buildings skip the 13th floor.
4. Fear of Friday the 13th - one of the most popular myths in science - is called paraskavedekatriaphobia as well as friggatriskaidekaphobia. Triskaidekaphobia is fear of the number 13.

5. Quarterback Dan Marino wore No. 13 throughout his career with the Miami Dolphins. Despite being a superb quarterback (some call him one of the best ever), he got to the Super Bowl just once, in 1985, and was trounced 38-16 by the San Francisco 49ers and Joe Montana (who wore No. 16 and won all four Super Bowls he played in).

6. Butch Cassidy, notorious American train and bank robber, was born on Friday, April 13, 1866.
7. Fidel Castro was born on Friday, Aug. 13, 1926.
8. President Franklin D. Roosevelt would not travel on the 13th day of any month and would never host 13 guests at a meal. Napoleon and Herbert Hoover were also triskaidekaphobic, with an abnormal fear of the number 13.

9. Superstitious diners in Paris can hire a quatorzieme, or professional 14th guest.
10. Mark Twain once was the 13th guest at a dinner party. A friend warned him not to go. "It was bad luck," Twain later told the friend. "They only had food for 12."

11. Woodrow Wilson considered 13 his lucky number, though his experience didn't support such faith. He arrived in Normandy, France on Friday, Dec. 13, 1918, for peace talks, only to return with a treaty he couldn't get Congress to sign. (The ship's crew wanted to dock the next day due to superstitions, Fernsler said.) He toured the United States to rally support for the treaty, and while traveling, suffered a near-fatal stroke.

12. The number 13 suffers from its position after 12, according to numerologists who consider the latter to be a complete number - 12 months in a year, 12 signs of the zodiac, 12 gods of Olympus, 12 labors of Hercules, 12 tribes of Israel, 12 apostles of Jesus, 12 days of Christmas and 12 eggs in a dozen.

13. The seals on the back of a dollar bill include 13 steps on the pyramid, 13 stars above the eagle's head, 13 war arrows in the eagle's claw and 13 leaves on the olive branch. So far there's been no evidence tying these long-ago design decisions to the present economic situation.

Origins of Friday the 13th
Where's all this superstition come from? Nobody knows for sure. But it may date back to Biblical times (the 13th guest at the Last Supper betrayed Jesus). By the Middle Ages, both Friday and 13 were considered bearers of bad fortune.

Meanwhile the belief that numbers are connected to life and physical things - called numerology - has a long history.
"You can trace it all the way from the followers of Pythagoras, whose maxim to describe the universe was 'all is number,'" says Mario Livio, an astrophysicist and author of "The Equation That Couldn't Be Solved" (Simon & Schuster, 2005). Thinkers who studied under the famous Greek mathematician combined numbers in different ways to explain everything around them, Livio said.

In modern times, numerology has become a type of para-science, much like the meaningless predictions of astrology, scientists say.

"People are subconsciously drawn towards specific numbers because they know that they need the experiences, attributes or lessons, associated with them, that are contained within their potential," says professional numerologist Sonia Ducie. "Numerology can 'make sense' of an individual's life (health, career, relationships, situations and issues) by recognizing which number cycle they are in, and by giving them clarity."

Mathematicians dismiss numerology as having no scientific merit, however.
"I don't endorse this at all," Livio said, when asked to comment on the popularity of commercial numerology for a story prior to the date 06/06/06. Seemingly coincidental connections between numbers will always appear if you look hard enough, he said.

• News and Information about Superstitions
• The Most Popular Myths in Science
• Urban Legends Debunked
• Original Story: 13 Facts About Friday the 13th

http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20090213/sc_livescience/13factsaboutfridaythe13th

I road a boat

This is hilarious!

"I'm On A Boat" - by the Lonely Planet

My baptism

This past summer I re-committed myself to Christ!  I've always wanted to go get baptized as a Christian because it is an outward sign that one can do to show they repent of their sins.  I know people say they were baptized as a baby, but does a baby have the capacity at that age to make a conscience decision to come to Christ, repent of their sins, and have their sins washed away?  I think not.

I really wished this experienced could have been shared with my friends and family, but some of them don't understand, or get all weird when I talk about God and Christ.  I was honestly overwhelmed with emotion and a sense of renewed spirit, I cried!  I called my co-worker, friends, and family to tell them the good news!

I remember this day vividly and whenever I see these pics, it reminds of the commitment I made to myself and the Lord. 

I pray the Lord give me strength and courage to live for Him and to carry out His will!

Cross roads

Just like the train that I take everyday to work, I feel like I'm at a crossroads. I'm conflicted inside and not sure where to go. I know my desired destination is heaven. But what do I do or where do I go on my way there?

Randomness

I was chatting with a friend the other day and we started spitting out lyrics or rhymes. Maybe I'll finish this song/poem and put some music to it. Hmmm....maybe it's time to play around with Garage Band. Anyways....here it is:

"I reached inside only to find,
a void that was once populated,
in my mind.

And now I see,
What you meant to me,
Is more than I could ever be.

I let it go,
I let it run dry,
A sea of emotion, life, and love,
That once roared out.

But what can I do now,
Without you here,
To renew and fulfill,
My every desire."

Happy birthday Melanie!

Last Friday marked the birthday of a dear friend of mine, Melanie!

We had/are co-workers for over the past 4 years, and although I don't work there at the group home full time anymore, I still always manage to talk to or see her! It was fun getting together at the Anaheim Gardenwalk, , eating at California Pizza Kitchen, and bowling at 300 . I also happened to see a fellow UC Irvine alum friend of mine there bowling.

So from your fairy, Happy Birthday Melanie! Santa will be watching you!

Training at "A Snail's Pace"

I went today training with a running academy....just to test things out. I was at this store "A Snail's Pace" on Friday and get me a pair of new Mizuno shoes. They fit me great and loving them. I don't feel as much pain in my knees anymore. Probably because those shoes support my foot arch.

But nonetheless, I met up with the group at 7:00am and they are a great group of people. One of the employees there also knows some of my family. Vy, if you are reading this, don't say a word!

But I really liked the group and the vibe from them. I think I'm going to sign up and they can help me train for the Laguna Hills Half-Marathon coming up in May.

Since my trainer friend recommended I don't do the LA Marathon anymore, I thought why not do a half-marathon? And that I will do and one in October.

Woohoo!

Noah's Arc- Jump the Broom

I've been a fan of Noah's Arc since day one. Grant it, I'm not an obsessed fan, but it really is a great show. My Netflix has thankfully graced me with the Noah's Arc movie. It is great.

If you are a fan of the TV series on LOGO, check it out. I guarantee you will like it!

The mother of all fighting games

If you were a child in the 90's playing video games, you are sure to remember the days of the Super Nintendo and the multiple iterations of Street Fighter II. Well, although I haven't really played any of the sequels after that (SF3 or the Alpha series), the Vs. series did help tie me over. But the time has come and it is coming out this month.

I am sooooooooo excited for this game. So excited, I'm very tempted to pay full price and pre-order it! I am waiting anxiously!

A prayer for my soul

"Dear Lord Jesus,

I am a sinner. I try to live my life for You, but I fail. I am grateful though that You are merciful and love unconditional. I thank you for the trials You put me through. Thank you for the challenges You present me with and test my faith. I cannot understand your plan You have for me, but I accept it whole-heartedly. My life is in Your scarred hands, and I trust You!

Mold me, and break me down if that is what You will to build anew.

Thank you for the blessings that You continue to give me. I pray this in Your name....Amen"

"I'm a loser baby...."

Game over for me! I lose in every way!

-Ervin A.
Sent from my iPhone

Fwd: Harvest Daily Devotion for 2/4/2009: "The Greatest Life"

This daily devotion hit hard for me this morning while I was reading it:

Wednesday, February 4, 2009 The Greatest Life I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. — Galatians 2:20 If you want to be a true follower of Jesus, you need to take up your cross. Jesus said, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me" (Matthew 16:24). That may sound miserable to some of us. You envision yourself carrying around some huge, wooden cross-living a miserable life, a life of selfless sacrifice. Let me share something with you. Taking up the cross of Christ means that I come to the Lord and say, "God, I realize you know more about life than I do. You know my future and what is best for me. And Lord, I want what You want for me more than what I want for myself. I am willing to put Your will above my own. If that means letting go of something that would hold me back or hurt me spiritually, I'm willing. If that means cutting loose something that is dragging me down, I'm willing. Because I know that You love me and have my best interest in mind." That is why the apostle Paul said, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20). The greatest life is the life that has been exchanged-the life that has been given to God. And the greatest life is living in obedience to Jesus Christ. Have Pastor Greg's devotions blessed you? Write and tell him! Greg@harvest.org Want to read more from Greg Laurie? Be sure to check out his weekly columns at World Net Daily. Click here to read his latest article. Copyright ©2009 by Harvest Ministries. All Rights Reserved. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Bible text from the New King James Version is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000 Today's Radio Program: "Unsung Heroes - I" Read the Word: Today--Genesis 35 How to Know God Devotion Archives Live Services Pastor Greg's Blog Greg's Personal Site You are receiving this daily mailing because you signed-up to do so on Harvest.org. If you no longer want to receive this mailing, or if you wish to subscribe/unsubscribe from other Harvest Ministries mailings, please visit our e-mail subscription management page. Harvest Ministries with Greg Laurie P.O. Box 4000, Riverside, CA 92514-4000 Phone: 1-800-821-3300

The more you know....

"It's time to start living the life
you've imagined"
- Henry James

"I got chains..."

The other day, I was just browsing through the free iTunes download
and stumbled across this track called Jailer by Asa. Thought I'd give
it a try. Verdict?

Love it! Raving about it! Told my coworkers to download it!

I loved it so much, I sampled the rest if the CD and it is just as good.  It has a folk song feel to it.  She sounds a bit like Macy Gray but there is more warmth to her voice.  And when she sings in her native Nigerian language, it's blissful!  

PICK IT UP!

-Ervin A.
Sent from my iPhone

Metrolink

Last Sunday the 1st marked my 1 month use of the Metrolink train
system here in Los Angeles.

And what can I say about it....?

I love it! Downfall is I have to sleep & wake up earlier than I would
like to (9pm/4:45am), but do the benefits outweigh the costs? Yes!

Here are my reasons:
1. My company pays for 1/2 of my ticket
2. I can sleep on the way to/from work
3. The 1-2 hours travel time, I can catch up on reading books, watch
podcasts, etc.
4. I don't have to get frustrated with traffic especially on Fridays
5. Meet new people who you see all the time
6. Cleaner alternative to using gasoline

I'm sure I'll have more as time progresses!

-Ervin A.
Sent from my iPhone

Can I do this?

"The first requisite of success is the ability to
apply your physical and mental energies
to one problem without growing weary."
- Thomas Edison

A quote to think about...

"You have to believe in yourself when no one
else does. That's what makes you a winner."
- Venus Williams

Choices

I was working today at the group home and one of our clients is on an Individualized Program because he was exhibiting unsafe behaviors and making self harm statements.

He didn't like me cause I was the supervisor and I presented him with choices. He didn't like what I offered him. He put the blame on the staff for the reason he was on that specialized program. We were the reason he acted the way he did. But is that true?

We always tell our clients that they are always presented with different circumstances, but it is up to them how they want to react to it. And if they happen to make the wrong choices, they have to deal with the consequences.

I presented our client with choices, and he didn't like any of them. He tried negotiating and reason in his head, and try to make new choices available. Sorry, doesn't work that way.

In life we are always presented with choices. Sometimes they are choices that are difficult to make, and other times, choices that we wish we could trade for some better options.

I have been presented with many tough decisions lately. Some are not liked by others, and also hurting others in the process. But they were choices I had to make. Life would be easier if someone told us what we needed to know, how to do it, and what the result will be. But life isn't like that.

One of my tough choices is my faith in God, and the conflict with my sexuality. I had a long talk with one of my LCSW colleagues the other day. She is also a woman of faith and sympathizes with me.

As much as I wish I could, this is at tough choice I have to make and that will take a long time to ponder; a lot of soul searching.

::sigh::

Hair today, gone tomorrow

Saw this on a friend's bulletin. I think I'll re-invent myself starting with one of these cool do's. I personally like the one with the sunglasses.