soneevda

BLOG: Frequency Fail

2011-08-31T00:12:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I've measurably failed to meet my goal of two new posts per week. What can I say except that I've been busy. I should know better by now than to make promises I won't pressure myself to keep.That said, last night I agreed to be the test speaker for the Girl Talk Toastmaster's Evaluation Contest a couple weeks from now. I committed to this because I do already have a speech topic in mind... It's just a matter of coming up with the opening, closing, and outline.The working title of the speech is "Super Combo", and I'm intending it to be an entertaining speech about how I followed my desire to work at a movie theater.Opening - something about jobs/experiences you've had an interest in trying.Body - the three areas I got experience working: theaters, box office, and concessions.Closing - no mind-shattering life lessons learned, just the feeling of fulfillment of pursuing an interest.I have two weeks to add some meat to those bones. Endorphins will help with the process and the practicing. My goal is to 1) get through it, 2) not use notes, 3) stay within the 5-7 minute range. Good luck everyone.That's about it for today... I'll try not to lolly-daggle. Until next time.(p.s. - I ran/walked 5.2 miles tonight. [go me!]):)

FOOD: Nona Tap Bar

2011-07-27T20:20:00.001-05:00

This past Saturday (7/23/11) was one of my fonder days of recent memories' past.

It began at 3:15am, an hour after when I was originally intended to wake up. By 4:30am, I was at Downtown Disney, in front of the World of Disney store, waiting for the Passholder Sale. In line, I met a mother & daughter from Tampa who were awake, perky, and somewhat covertly "conservative" as I picked up on their references to "Fox & Friends" plus the tone in which they encouragingly implied that someday I will get married [as in the traditional way] ... seriously, do I not put out the gay vibe? Anyways, between them and the attractive young Latin couple in front of us, 6:00am came quickly, and the madness was on.

Really, there weren't many great deals this time around, but I managed the following:

Two full trays of Vinylmations (Toy Story and Have a Laugh),
Four polo shirts with a Mickey on them (2 black, 2 orange),
Four new outfits for ~~Duffy~~ Stitch (Australia, United Kingdom, China, and Buzz),
Two awesome fabric, 40th anniversary jackets,
Three girly scarves,
Two Kermit Mickey ears, and
One Disney kid's bank.

All-in-all, the damage came out to around $300 -- oh well, I was glad to have left the store in good spirits. Tired and depleted, I went over to Ghiradelli's and, per tradition, picked up a chocolate croissant and a small coffee -- a small breather before heading onto Event #2.

Next was the District 84 DEC Meeting at the Tupperware Headquarters. Registration at 9:30am, meeting to begin at 10:00am. I always enjoyed these meetings when I attended as an area governor last year. It was an opportunity to be part of a well-run, professional meeting. The difference this time was that I was there without any real responsibility, and there was a new generation of area governors -- it felt like I just stepped into a television spin-off. Anyways, I was there just to, during the breaks, distribute Club Ambassador forms and speak with each division to answer any questions and to get them excited about the program. The meeting was a really cool time, and I met a lot of people -- and many who I'd like to get to know better. At the meeting, I did get positive feedback from some of the district officers. I was appreciated for my energy and for taking pictures -- that communicated appreciation is what really fuels me and keeps me wanting to go back and do more.

That meeting ended about half-an-hour ahead of schedule. It was hot outside with the weather possibly changing. Instead of heading back west to the parks (dressed in slacks and a polo), I headed towards home, but not before stopping by the Lake Nona area to go exploring.

I'm a big Gowalla fanatic -- I recently reached over 2000 unique check-ins. Long story short, a Gowalla friend of mine who I never met had taken a picture, earlier in the week, while checking-in at a toll plaza, and made a comment.

His:

Rob Morris checked in at Boggy Creek Mainline Toll Plaza and took this photo.

5 days ago

Rob Morris: I tried to recreate Cedric's photo. I think I was pretty close to it.
5 days ago
Cedric Ching: Nice timing! :) +1
3 days ago

And here was my pic...

Mine:

Cedric Ching checked in at Boggy Creek Mainline Toll Plaza and took this photo.

3 months ago

Well, I then made it a mission for me to recreate one of his photos. I was going to pass by his area anyway, so let's have fun with it. The picture that caught my eye was one that he took of his Banana Bread Beer at the Nona Tap Room because it looked so delicious.

His (my goal):

Rob Morris checked in at Nona Tap Room and took this photo.

9 days ago

Eric Longstaff: Congrats! I keep forgetting to give my beer club card when I close my tab
9 days ago
Cedric Ching: That looks so good.
3 days ago

After the Toastmasters meeting, I drove over to Lake Nona and to the Nona Tap Room. As I walked up, a family was leaving. As I got to the bar and told the bartender my goal, my purpose, my mission, she told me that "yeah, he was just in here with his wife and daughter." I had given him a long look, but I didn't say anything other than "thank you." I might have wanted some recognition back... but then I remembered that my profile pic was of Stitch, and maybe 1 of my 1566 photos had me in it. Upon that realization, I felt like a stalker on one of those CBS procedurals.

Anyways, the beer turned out to be of the $15 variety... but it was my main purpose for being there, so alright. And I think that I did pretty good -- I had to get Stitch in there. What could've helped even more is if I had brought a print out to do side-by-side comparison, but perhaps that would've been even creepier.

Well, about an hour later, I receive notification of a comment on the pic, and it was Rob.

Mine:

Cedric Ching checked in at Nona Tap Room and took this photo.“Howdy Rob, here's an attempt to copy one of your pics. :-)”

2 days ago

Rob Morris: Nice job Cedric! I think I might have passed you on my way out the door.
2 days ago
Cedric Ching: Yes, thanks for holding the door for me.
2 days ago

Side-by-Side:

I was proud and scared at the same time. Proud that I accomplished my goal. Scared that I was being creepy. I didn't mean to. After finishing up there -- the beer was good (not overpowering) and quite a bit (two of those glasses' worth) -- I continued on to try to complete his Local Nona Living trip (10 spots, need 5). I picked up some Walnut Shrimp from Mr. K Chinese Restaurant and a large unsweetened iced tea from Dunkin Donuts a couple doors down, but that's it. I couldn't manage any more food. I will have to accomplish his trip another time. I brought the foods over to Moss Park -- a bit of an exploration. It had a nice view of Lake Mary Jane... $3 admission, but it's going to a good cause. The break from the ordinary was nice, and it fed some of my Gowalla-ing obsession.

That's about it.

(I'm sure that I could really work to tighten up the Lake Nona visit description -- plus add more links -- but I'd rather get this stuff up sooner than too late.) *smiles*

"RUN": 2.0 miles, Home <-LL-> WM

2011-07-20T22:19:00.001-05:00

The second mile was much better than the first. [didn't have to stop, no bugs out tonight (~10:45pm), lots of people still out working in their garages; anyways...]

Tonight was a return to the road. I've been saying that I've been alright with my recent (since last September) weight gain -- from 165lbs. to about 185lbs. -- that I'd begin the return to fitness once I hit 200, but there was an unrecognized-till-now indicator that shook me.

Man-boobs.

A couple days ago, I happened to look downwards, and as I did, I also noticed a couple of troubling formations. I vowed that I should start running again, and also perhaps start lifting some weights (now that I have a base of mass on me) -- it's another "mid-mid-mid-life crisis" as I also attempt to get back with this blog.

It's another interval of introspection, and I'm hoping that this aids the formation and organization of near-future speeches.

===== (the following section is really rough) =====
Currently, I'm thinking about a speech about development... I'd start by trying to connect with the audience, mentioning situations in which we're out in public and there's that one really misbehaved child throwing tantrums, etc. Then I'd ask them what thoughts are running through their heads... "I'm glad that kid's not mine." and then I'd say that when that happens, I just say to myself "I was worse."

I'd go on to explain how I was worse (I was totally conscious about what a brat I was), but then I'd stand before everyone as evidence of what that piece of coal could be. It just took some patience, guidance, and the willingness to become better (<-- that could be better-worded).

I should probably work on a conclusion next, but I do have a lot of ideas for the three points -- mom and her newspaper clippings, video games/computer applications, cooking, or drawing the parallel to developing at work or in Toastmasters. And that I've grown a lot because of the patience that my parents, siblings, and friends have shown me, and from the guidance they and other have provided me.

In my conclusion, I would challenge the audience to recognize times that people have to go through that brat stage and that the best things we can do is be patient and be that parent. And I would conclude by that I'm still sometimes that brat.

Working Title: "..."
===== (the above section is really rough) =====

I just wanted to get an entry up... I'll probably be coming back to continue this brainstorm. Now I need to grab a little fro-yo, take a quick shower, then get to bed.

G'night,
~Cedric

Hello World 2011.

2011-07-17T20:45:00.001-05:00

Hello World.

This is how We, in the software industry, typically start coding projects. It's a primer of sorts that serves as our initial benchmark, indicating that we've taken that first step. And this is how I will begin a rebirth of the Soneevda blog.

I will not cover in this post the reasons I was on a year-long hi8us, nor will I cover all the reasons why I've returned except to say that I need a place to type out my thoughts of the day -- the successes, the defeats, the exciting, and the mundane -- without feeling that my words would be a burden.

Granted, should the thin veil of electronic cover be breached, then this would be my documented confessions. As saucy as this prospect may sound, I'll be the first to acknowledge your future disappointment.

It's a mind-sort. It's an exercise in ramble. It's a history.

Time and energy are premiums nowadays with increased responsibilities in a number of organizations, but I'm setting a goal of at least two post per week -- with no promise of length or decoration.

We'll just see how this experiment will go in this first month back. Let's do this!
~Cedric

VIDEO: 2010 Emmy Nominations for "Outstanding Commercial"

2010-07-08T12:04:00.000-05:00

Today, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced the nominees for the 62ndst Primetime Emmy Awards. The winners will be announced on Sunday, August 29, 2010 with Jimmy Fallon hosting. The show will air on NBC from Los Angeles' Nokia Theater.

I'm so happy with Modern Family's nominations!:
- Outstanding Comedy Series
- Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series
- Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Mitchell
- Eric Stonestreet as Cameron Tucker
- Ty Burrell as Phil Dunphy
- Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series
- Julie Bowen as Claire Dunphy
- Sofia Vergara as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett
- Outstanding Guest Actor In A Comedy Series
- Fred Willard as Frank Dunphy
- Outstanding Art Direction For A Single-Camera Series
- Outstanding Casting For A Comedy Series
- Outstanding Directing For A Comedy Series
- Modern Family - Pilot
- Outstanding Picture Editing For A Comedy Series (Single Or Multi-Camera)
- Modern Family - Pilot
- Modern Family - Family Portrait
- Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Comedy Or Drama Series (Half-Hour) And Animation
- Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series

Anyways, per tradition, below are this year's nominees for "Outstanding Commercial", but first, here's last year's winner:

Heist - Coca-Cola
Wieden + Kennedy, Ad Company
Psyop, Production Company

And now for this year's nominees...

...for Outstanding Commercial

Coke Finals - Coca-Cola
Wieden+Kennedy, Ad Agency

(sorry for the scrolling banner, this was the only vid of it I found on YouTube)

This commercial follows their pattern of Coke someone sleeping and tiny things opening a bottle of Coke. My thought is that the history miniatures could've also just hit the alarm. Meh.

Green Police - Audi
Hungry Man, Production Company
Venables Bell & Partners, Ad Agency

Entertaining the first time I saw it a few months ago, I think that I'm a bit worn of it now. Meh

Human Chain - Nike
Wieden+Kennedy, Ad Agency
Smuggler, Production Company

Loved it the first time I saw it, love it now. Great effects and inspirational.

The Man Your Man Could Smell Like - Old Spice Body Wash
Wieden+Kennedy, Ad Company
MJZ, Production Agency

Ha ha ha! Quick narrative, smooth transitions, ADD-friendly. I like this one too.

Game - Mars Snack Food US/Snickers
BBDO New York, Ad Company
MJZ, Production Company

OMG, never under-estimate the power of Betty White!

Anthem - Absolut
MJZ, Production Company

This commercial was well done, I suppose, but something's lacking... inspiration from a hard alcohol?

Anyways, my vote would go to Nike's "Human Chain" or Snickers' "Game".

Which one would you choose?
(Leave a comment. *wink wink*)

[For a complete list of nominees, let me refer you to the [generic] Emmy nominations page]

INAH: Maybe Dizzy

2010-06-28T22:37:00.000-05:00

Maybe it's the still-sick-after-a-week-of-being-sick, maybe it's the news that I'm going back to 1st shift tomorrow after a day of being on 2nd (again), maybe it's the 10 hours in front of the computer while wearing polarized sunglasses, maybe it's the entire pot of coffee I drank today, maybe it's the poorly lit and poorly coned 192-to-I95 ramp-that-almost-resulted-in-a-wreck-with-a-construction-truck-tonight, maybe it's the haven't-exercised-in-three-weeks, maybe it's the too-much-to-do-before-bed-to-go-to-bed, but I'm feeling dizzy. INAH.

TELEVISION: America's Got Talent

2010-06-22T11:10:00.000-05:00

[When I went up to SC last weekend, I made a stop to visit my sister in Charleston. Some of her friends were over, and we got caught up on America's Got Talent. It was surprisingly entertaining. Below are three of my favorites from that evening.]

Nick Pike, 30 Juggler - Orlando Auditions

Chipps Cooney, 61 Illusionist - NY Auditions, Day 2

Doogie Horner, 30 Comedian - NY Auditions, Day 1

FOOD: Pineapple-Cherry Dump Cake

2010-06-16T17:57:00.001-05:00

[This was the first time I made a "Dump Cake", and it really was incredibly easy and incredibly delicious. I made it for today's Hawaiian-themed Toastmasters meeting, and it was ravaged! The pineapple upside-down cake I made for last week's Luau-themed meeting didn't get this much attention. Perhaps the PUD cake was "too formal" versus the non-shape-forming quality of the cobbler. *shrug*

All I know is that the dump cake was super easy and a lot less of a mess. We'll be seeing that one again soon.]

CHERRY PINEAPPLE DUMP CAKE [source: Cooks.com]

1 can (16 oz.) crushed pineapple
1 can (20 oz.) cherry pie filling
1 pkg. yellow cake mix
1/2 to 2/3 c. chopped nuts
1/2 c. butter

In a 9 x 13 inch pan, dump in the pineapple and juice, spreading evenly. Pour cherry pie filling over the pineapple, spreading evenly. Add dry cake mix evenly over the fruit. Add nuts. Drizzle melted butter over top. Do not mix. Bake 350 degrees for 1 hour.

MUSIC: "When We Didn't Get Along" by Danny Jacob / "S.I.M.P. (Squirrels In My Pants)" by 2 Guyz N the Parque from Phineas and Ferb

2010-06-11T14:22:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, I was introduced to Phineas and Ferb, and now I'm a big fan. I was immediately drawn to the show's structure and incredible wit -- plus, Perry the Platypus is just adorable. And the songs... what a surprise! Below is "When We Didn't Get Along", my favorite of the episodes I've seen so far, though "S.I.M.P (Squirrels In My Pants)" is a close second... yeah, I'll post that one below too.

"When We Didn't Get Along"
by Danny Jacob

Lyrics:

Without your schemes my life it seems is empty.
I spend all my time keeping you from doing wrong.
You were my only nemesis
I'd foil your plans but still I miss
The moments when we didn't get along.

I fell for you the moment that you pushed me.
You captured me and held me for so long.
But now you're doing battle
With a panda from Seattle
I miss the moments when we didn't get along.

So search your heart please Dr. D
And I am sure that you will see
That you were always meant to be
My only lifelong enemy.

You gave my life heroic cause
Back when my only mission was
The moments when we didn't get along.

-----

"S.I.M.P (Squirrels In My Pants)"
by 2 Guyz N the Parque

2010-06-11T14:07:00.000-05:00

Another season of So You Think You Can Dance begins, and this time they've re-introduced some All-Stars. I'm most excited to see Pasha and Allison back. Below is a Samba that features Pasha. Before, I felt disappointed when he went gratuitously shirtless, but since he's not "competing" this season (and the shirt looked like it was getting in his way), I'm perfectly fine this time. Anyways, enjoy!

SYTYCD, Season 7, Week 1
Music: "Work" (Freemason remix) by Kelly Rowland
Choreographer: Jason Gilkison
Style: Samba
Dancers:
Cristina Santana, Anya Garnis (all-star), Pasha Kovalev! (all-star)

Video clip:

WORK: 2nd Shift

2010-06-03T21:22:00.001-05:00

(I know that I've been sucking with the updating the blog. I guess it's because it's easier to post on Facebook, and there, people actually read and leave comments... oh well.)

This post is just to say that this week, I've been working 2nd shift (approx 1pm-10pm). This was supposed to be the case for the month of June, but because the equipment and software baseline aren't ready, I'll be switching back to 1st next week... and then back to 2nd until mid-July... or at least that's the plan for now.

My mind and body are confused as they try to navigate the change. I've gone to bed anywhere between 3am & 6am. I also wake up between 10am & 11am. I eat breakfast, and by the time I'm at the office, it's time for lunch, then I constantly snacking until the time I'd normally leave, and by then I've already eaten my dinner...

...so working 2nd shift, I have one huge meal... breakfast-lunch-dinner, or as I'm now calling it -- brunner. And the amazing thing is that once I get home at 11pm+, I'm just not hungry. And I know already that next week's going to be a mess. :P

FOOD: Chick-fil-a's Spicy Chicken Sandwich

2010-06-01T00:30:00.001-05:00

This week (from May 31st through June 5th), Chick-fil-A is having a preview of their new Spicy Chicken Sandwich. People were able to sign-up and schedule a time to pick up a free sandwich via their Facebook page (all spots have been filled).

The day the promotion was posted on FB, I signed up. My scheduled time was 5pm-7pm today, May 31st. A co-worker had invited me to a Memorial Day BBQ, but I didn't know this when I had signed up a couple weeks ago. I decided to stop by Chick-fil-A before heading to the party (I know, not good etiquette, but we're talking about free food).
...
Anyways, the Chick-fil-A had "flame" decals on its windows, and it kinda looked like the building was on fire! I totally appreciated the theming.

Inside, although there were a lot of regular customers (though not so represented in photo below), there was an order line especially for patrons with their printed-out Spicy Chicken Sandwich vouchers.

I just ordered the sandwich and asked for it to go.

While waiting, I noticed that off to the side, there were three tables -- each with a red tablecloth -- that were reserved for those with Spicy Chicken Sandwiches (great touch!).

Then I realized what I was wearing... my red steak shirt... with the words "Make Mine Well Done" on the back (oh, the cruel irony).

Anyways, when my order was ready, I quickly took it and headed to the car. Inside the bag, I found my sandwich and a special card/envelope -- which I saved to open for later.

(note: envelope was inside bag but not in the actual food container)

Chick-fil-A's Spicy Chicken Sandwich was not quite what I expected. It was more of a buffalo chicken sandwich than Burger King/Wendy's spicy chicken sandwich. Also, the texture of the chicken was somewhere between their Original and Grilled varieties.

My overall impressions of this new offering was... inconclusive. I mean,I'm a big fan of the Original Chick-fil-A Sandwich, and also I usually shy away from foods with a "Spicy Flavor Inferno". Still, I'm open to something new twice.

And a good thing too...

When I got home, I pulled out the little orange envelope that came with my order, and inside found card thanking me for "taking the heat" plus a coupon for another Spicy Chicken Sandwich for after when it's available to the public.

How awesome was that?! Overall, from start-to-now, this was such a great promotion, and I'm ever-more proud to have a Chick-fil-A so close to home! Thank you, Chick-fil-A!
-----
The Chick-fil-A Spicy Chicken Sandwich will be available to the public on Monday, June 7th.

RUN: 5.16 miles @??:??, Home<-LL->Water Treatment Plant, Melbourne, FL

2010-05-11T19:27:00.002-05:00

(reused map!)
Okay, so I know that I haven't posted in a long time. Sounds cliché, but I've really been busy... at least no real break over the weekends and during the week after work I've either got lots to do or am really tired. I won't be able to catch up with all the events, but I can say that I've been doing well in keeping my photo album site up-to-date.

Anyways, tonight...

I ran from home, up to the gym, then over to the water treatment plant, and back. There was actually light outside when I headed out - a little bright, a little windy. There were also a couple people along with sidewalk walking/jogging. It's been a peaceful after-work today.

Lately, work's been uneven (trying figure a way to handle distractions), plus I'm losing a bit of momentum with the Toastmasters -- an acquaintance sent me a spam-ish email/chain-letter railing against immigrants. The information was un-sourced and clearly propaganda. If it was cute, encouraging quotes with pictures of puppies and kittens, I would've had a problem with it. When it begins with the now-customary "no matter if you're a democrat or a republican" before proceeding to spurt bigotry and then tells you to forward it to everyone you know, then I have a problem and keep my mouth shut. May that be a warning to all. :P

So this evening's going to be a calm, easy, relaxing one -- going to cook some pasta and tomato-meat sauce, prepare a simple salad, and pop open a Bud Light Wheat while finally watching The Blind Side. I'll also wash some dishes and sort some coupons, then maybe play some new Wii games before getting to bed before midnight. That's be my ideal evening. So, I'll get to it now and may come back to post this run's sweaty ceddy pics.

G'night.

Here is the beginning of my post. And here is the rest of it.

MUSIC: "Til Summer Comes Around" by Keith Urban

2010-04-14T18:16:00.000-05:00

I've been on a Country music kick this week -- most likely an influence of the cowboys who are still in The Amazing Race. I'm totally crushing on Cord McCoy, more so after reading an article [PDF] about his near-death incident back in 2004. He seems like a great encouragement and a really really nice guy (beyond my league), and I really wish him much well. Reading his CBS bio, it astounds me that Cord and I are the same age, and I ask myself "What have I done?" -- a bit of a somber question as I'm not really pursuing my passion, and perhaps the reason I gravitated to this somber song by Keith Urban. I find myself day-dreaming of a second chance somewhere else or maybe it's another interest to explore.

"Til Summer Comes Around"
by Keith Urban

Lyrics:

Another long summer's come and gone
I don't know why it always ends this way
The boardwalk's quiet and the carnival rides
Are as empty as my broken heart tonight

But I close my eyes and one more time
We're spinning around and you're holdin' on tightly
The words came out, I kissed your mouth
No Fourth of July has ever burned so brightly
You had to go I understand,
But you promised you'd be back again
And so I wander around this town
'Til the summer comes around

I got a job working at the old park pier
And every summer now for five long years
I grease the gears, fix the lights, tighten bolts, straighten the tracks
And I count the days 'til you just might come back

Then I close my eyes and one more time
We're spinning around and you're holdin' on tightly
The words came out, I kissed your mouth
No 4th of July has ever burned so brightly
You had to go I understand,
But you swore that you'd be back again
And so I'm frozen in this town
'Til the summer comes around
'Til it comes around

And I close my eyes and you and I
Are stuck on the Ferris wheel riding with the motion
And hand in hand we cried and laughed
Knowing that love belonged to us girl, if only for a moment
And "Baby I'll be back again," you whispered in my ear
But now the winter wind is the only sound
Yeah and everything is closing down
'Til summer comes around
'Til summer comes around, yeah
'Til it comes around and it comes around

Ooo ooo ooo ooo ooo...

And I miss you baby,
Ooo and I miss you baby

RUN: Wildlife Run (~2 miles) & CR...

2010-04-07T23:40:00.000-05:00

When I got home form work, I started back with the sorting of pictures from last weekend. Whilst so, I watched every clip of the cowboys on CBS's TAR video page (I'm definitely rooting for Jet & Cord). And I finally made it to the gym at 9:48pm...

Anyways, looked & sounded like a good evening of vball, but I was there just to see Brad and Susan and see if they were up for anything afterwards. Both had to call it an early night, and I was prepared to go for a little run if that was the case.

I planned to run to the waste water treatment plant and back (~3 miles), but about a mile down Wickham, I came towards a car parked off to the side with its headlights on and pointed directly at something laying in the middle of the road. I ran closer, and my first thought was that it was a hit and run and that the driver was going to come after me next!... but it wasn't.

It was a friggin' Huge ALLIGATOR!!! It was on its back and still intact. When I realized this, I quickly abandoned any urge to complete the run (towards the wetlands/alligator nesting grounds) and ran back towards my car.

By the time I picked up the camera from my house and was back on Wickham, there flashing lights of police cars at the scene, and I decided to just turn back.

Now, for record, I ran with music (Savage Love) and with a Clif Shot between my teeth. I breathed hard through my nose and really opened up the air-passageways. I didn't sprint, but maintaining a steady, deliberate pace... starting slowly and ending with an "in-the-groove" feeling. Not as far as I'd prefer but felt good and was exciting.

When I got home, I decided to try out the whole "Chat Roulette" thing, and sure enough, the first video I saw was of... yeah. Next. I didn't spend much time on there because the whole thing just felt really weird. I felt instantly vulnerable and shallow at the same time -- the quick succession of images on the partner screen, evidence of the superficiality of the times. It was creepy.

Anyways, I have to get to bed. Here's tonight's sweaty Ceddy pics:

MUSIC: "Halfway Gone" by Lifehouse (and performed by BradInTampa)

2010-03-25T20:57:00.003-05:00

"Halfway Gone"
by Lifehouse

Lyrics:

You were always hard to hold
So letting go ain’t easy
I’m hanging on but growing cold
While my mind is leaving

Talk, talk is cheap
Give me a word you can keep
Cause you’re halfway gone and I’m on my way
And I’m feeling, feelin' feelin' this way
Cause I’m halfway in but don’t take too long
Cause I’m halfway gone, I’m halfway gone
You got one foot out the door
And choking on the other
Always think there's something more
It's just around the corner

Talk, talk is cheap
Give me a word you can keep
Cause I’m halfway gone and I’m on my way
And I’m feeling, feelin' feelin' this way
Cause you’re halfway in but don’t take too long
Cause I’m halfway gone, I’m halfway gone

If you want me out, then I’m on my way
And I’m feeling, feelin' feelin' this way
Cause you’re halfway in, but don’t take too long
Cause I’m halfway gone, I’m halfway gone (wohoww wohoww)
I’m halfway gone, I’m halfway gone (wohoww wohoww)

Now I’m halfway gone, I’m halfway gone
Don’t take too long, don’t take too long
Cause I’m on my way
If you take too long
Cause I’m halfway gone and I’m on my way
And I’m feeling, feelin' I'm feelin' this way
Cause you’re halfway in but don’t take too long
Cause I’m halfway gone, I’m halfway gone

If you want me out, then I’m on my way
And I’m feeling, feelin' feelin' this way
Cause you’re halfway in, but don't take too long
Cause I’m halfway gone, I’m halfway gone (wohoww wohoww)
Cause I’m halfway gone, and I’m halfway gone (wohoww wohoww)
Cause I’m halfway gone, yeah I’m halfway gone

[And here's the cover of "Halfway Gone" by BradInTampa. I actually heard the song first from Brad -- a great song for him. And it was actually another Lifehouse cover that I discovered him.]

RUN: 7.56 miles@~1:00:00, Gym<-->Viera Blvd/I-95, Viera, FL

2010-03-24T21:32:00.012-05:00

So many choices tonight: 1) a Toastmasters meeting, 2) a PFLAG meeting, 3) volleyball, 4) run. I had to stay late(r) tonight because I got to work late and had a TM meeting over lunch; that did help rule out the first two options. And I did get myself to the gym in time for volleyball, but decided that I needed to run since I didn't yesterday (I got my taxes done instead! Woo!).

I was first thinking about running the Stadium loop a couple of times, but I figured I'd have a hard time going back for 2nds there, plus the stretch on Lake Andrew was too familiar. I needed something more remote and... exotic, so I ran up Stadium and ended up at Viera Blvd. I wanted to get back to the gym at a good time and knew I wouldn't/shouldn't run all the way to Murrell but instead compromised and ran to I-95. I ran all the entire way with a 10-second break on the bridge to take in the scenery.

I ran in shorts and took off my tech shirt after the second mile. I didn't feel great but was persistent and managed a pretty good breathing rhythm. I got back to the Pro-Health just about one hour after I left and figured 7 1/2 miles (I'm pretty good with estimating distances). I got to gym and did some stretching as some friends were finishing up volleyball. I was just enjoying the endorphins.

Tonight, we didn't head over to Uno's but ended up talking for a while under the carport. It was nice to see Kirk and Susan again, and I'll see Brad soon enough -- this Sunday for a semi-planned venture to Florida's other coast.

Anyways, sweaty Ceddy jumping pics to follow. I'm needing a haircut tonight, then maybe some food then bed. Today was a mildly-productive but good day.

TOASTMASTERS: "Rock It!" Meeting

2010-03-24T21:32:00.008-05:00

I was the TMoD for this morning's TM meeting. I had decided last week to give it a theme: "Rock It!". When I theme, I like to tie it to the particular day, and on March 24th 2006, Hannah Montana premiered on the Disney Channel -- hey, it was either that or the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill.

And it was a theme that everyone got enthusiastic about. I feel so much gratitude to everyone participating and putting in the time and effort.

When I was introduced, I walked up to the podium and gave an intentionally lack-luster "Are you ready to rock?." and got a huge "Yeah!" [come on guys... make me earn it! :)]. I then untucked my white button up (and oh yes, I was also sporting a vest [love it!]), djushed my hair, put on some shades, and threw on a Hannah Montana wig (featuring a couple purple-highlighted braids). And having become much better(???)-dressed, I gave a more enthusiastic and rocker-screeched "Are you ready to rock?!" to my adoring fans!

Seriously, I loved everyone's energy and appreciate all the love that people put in today. Fantastic was our Thought of the Day by one of our newest members; she shared a Dave Matthews Band lyric to uplift and inspire us. Then our grammarian had a quirky, relevant, and easily-accessible Word of the Day: 11 (Eleven) "as in one more than ten" (from This is Spinal Tap). And our Table Topics Master, another newbie, went all miscellaneous with rock references -- rock as a gift, rocket ship conference room, dinner with a rock star, and Fraggle rock -- I totally enjoyed the eclecticism. All of our speakers were well-rehearsed, and for our business session, there were quite a number of recognitions to hand out.

It was very uplifting meeting, which made for two in a row! Last week had a St. Patrick's Day theme, and it also carried well throughout that meeting. We're having more fun, the speeches are great, and our club's on its way back to Presidents Distinguished.

Many thanks again to everyone who was there. Y'all Rocked It!

TOASTMASTERS: ACC Tall Tales Contest / RUN: 1.09+2.50 miles @??:??, Home<-sL->Gym+, Melbourne, FL

2010-03-22T21:15:00.009-05:00

Tonight, the Advance Communicators [TM] Club held a Tall Tales Contest, the first of its kind that I've attended (or even heard of). There were eleven (11!) contestants!... nearly all of the District 84 and Division B officers. It was a great great showing and a hoot. All through the contest, I was imagining myself having to be up there giving a humorous speech. And in all honesty, I'm still intimidated getting in front of others to give a no-notes speech. Anyways, all did a good job. There were four or five who were pretty outstanding. And it was nice that I agreed with all of the placings (though, among friends, it almost seemed like the awards didn't matter). It was a nice experience, and I'm glad to have attended.

Well, the contest had started late and as mentioned, there were eleven contestants. The Tall Tales ran 3-5 minutes each, so the meeting ran just under two hours. Piccadilly Cafeteria typically closes at 8:30pm, and it was near nine when we quickly herded out. I was going to be really late for ~~volleyball~~ the gym, but I didn't worry so much. A nice drive home, I quickly got changed and ran out the door, shortcut to the Pro-Health.

Oh, forgot to mention that I had an entire Little Caesar's cheese pizza for lunch today. I was probably able to finish the pie because I stretched my stomach from all the sushi this past weekend (thanks Joy!). It was good though. Oh, and I also had a large Tropical Smoothie. Yeah, so I'm not remotely hungry tonight and will probably just have a small scoop of strawberry-banana frozen yogurt (and yes, the fake LC cheese did affect me tonight... *blurg/oh well*).

Getting back to the Pro-Health, I walked to the gym, saw the young kids goofing, waved to Brad, and signaled to him that I'd be upstairs running. And Good karma today. This morning I found out that I was put on a list for a Hospitality Pass (I'm staying vague on this one *wink/nod*), and tonight at the gym, I passed by the guy from work that I just light up from seeing. Small moments of happiness that's holding back the D&T urge. Don't get me wrong, I felt like I made progress at work today, which is fantastic, but I've been expecting a fall from Saturday morning's ContestMastering high. It's a short and busy week, so I may be able to fend it off... oh gosh, I veered off on another tangent. Ramble.

Again, getting back to the Pro-Health. I got in a ten laps (1 mile) -- I don't like the corners -- then spotted Brad on the 2nd floor... the kids were too much. I totally understand. So he did some weights as I put in some extra laps to hopefully accumulate my 3+ miles (I want my sticker!). The gym was closing, and we talked some more about this Sunday and Busch Gardens. I'm looking forward to a new park! (I will have to control myself). And then we just called it a night. I took the long way home. 1.09 miles on the road, 2.5 on the track. Woo!

At this moment it's just about 11:00pm. It's going to be a little longer before I select and add photos from, especially since I'll be combining posts *shrug*. Anyways, it feels good to blog. Here's tonight's sweaty Ceddy pics:

HOUSE: Lawn Mower Blade

2010-03-20T18:00:00.000-05:00

Saturday afternoon, after the Area 21 Toastmasters Contests in Cocoa, I made a stop by Lowe's to pick up a new lawn mower blade (wasn't sure which was right so I bought two), and when I got home, found out both were wrong -- the diameter of the center hole wasn't large enough. My visiting friends called to say they wouldn't be available until that evening, so I thankfully had time to make a trip to find another blade -- first to Ace Hardware (no luck), then I ended up at Home Depot.

Home Depot didn't have the blades either but Steve from plumbing walked me over to and handed me a lawn mower blade sharpening kit containing a hand drill attachment (some sort of grind stone) and a tool for checking that the blade's balance. Was I up for the challenge?

Heck's yeah.

This would be my butch moment of the week -- power tools, metal machines, getting dirty. I thought of all my friends that were very "DIY" and channeled all the people I've seen on HGTV (okay, so maybe not so butch), but I just got to work and sharpened my old lawn mower blade myself. And it all turned out well actually. I mowed my lawn with confidence. Weeds trimmed down look like normal lawn, and I can now breath easy for another week.

Here's some pics of the project:

Asides from the sense of accomplishment that accompanied a job done and a more-spiffy-looking lawn, I saved a lot of money sharpening the blade myself -- the kit only cost ~$7 versus $18 for a new blade... or $36 for a new blade that would actually fit.

MOM would be proud. I haven't even posted about the ceiling tile frame I reattached myself a few weeks ago. That'll be an easy post for another day. I wonder what my next project will be.

RUN: 3.95 miles @??:??, Home<-LL->Avenue+Lexus, Melbourne, FL

2010-03-18T21:39:00.007-05:00

I know I said I'd rest today, but I just Had to run. Inspired by many a scholarship essay and the need of an escape, I'm reacquainting myself with how much of a wonderful stress-relief running is.

This morning, I was again late at work, but having stayed at work til 8:45pm last night, I was an hour ahead, so I was fine with leaving normal-time. I attended a TM club contest, and it was a mix of familiar and the unfamiliar. Feeling a bit over-whelmed, I realized that there were others there for whom such ambassador trips were more a common occasion. I needed to be out more anyway.

It was late coming home, with meeting minutes still needing to be done and sent out. But I figured if I was efficient with my run, photos, and this blogging, I could sneak another 3+ miles in (I want my sticker!). So I changed clothes and headed out equipped.

I ran with music (ipod: Top 25 Most Played [incl. "Nothing But a Miracle", "Walking On Snow", "1901", "Float On", "Need You Now", "Telephone", "Lazy Eye", and "Us"), and my attire (as will be shown below) reminded me of something a fellow SCR board member said to me at a race one time... "You'll never find a boyfriend dressed like that."

...

But I'm owning it. Plus, I'd like to find someone who'd like me despite. :)

Anyways, the run started off brisk and didn't have the benefit of a built-in break after the first 1/2 mile. I ran a little above my means but didn't stop lest a 10-second stretch after I reached The Avenue. I ran consisted throughout and even had a large-stride kick final stretch. Different from the past couple nights, I didn't really ever get my breathing down... music I was listening to was odd tempo and my pattern was off-the-beat but still somewhat regular which sustained me.

It was a good run though. Not many cars on the road, I ran down towards the Lexus as Brad suggested for last night. Plus I saw a raccoon on the sidewalk -- he gently cleared the way as I approached. If it had attacked me, that would've also been pretty cool. But he didn't.

Anyways, work was work, and I am going to miss a personal work milestone with pressures still on. Actually, this morning I was "The Calm One" in the midst of debugging a test issue. And when dealing with "to-do's" I felt like I was quite direct and able to get stuff resolved. I was a train that didn't like obstacles or distractions,... and that's probably why I was short-fused with NCAA bracket talk. (this here was my Aha moment).

One more day before the weekend. Still unknown are plans for after Saturday morning's Area Toastmasters Contest (and I need to review the script a few more times). I'd rather be able to say that I could support the afternoon contest then participate in Sunday's SCR social then go easy park-hopping with friends I haven't hung out with for over a month. I realize that I need any semblance of structure or plans in order not to go [temporarily] insane. And I know that I'm going to end up being Kid Hostage... and a somewhat willing one at that. :|

I'm sure all will turn out with an optimistic and open mind. Though I've abandoned any chance of cleaning up my house (a wreck more than usual) given no real notice. I will have it clean in a week for my little sister's visit (Baloo!).

Alright, I can't ramble too much. I have a shower to take and some minutes to knock down. Here are tonight's sweaty Ceddy pics. Enjoy.

RUN: 3.55 miles @??:??, Home<-LL+->WM (fun loops), Melbourne, FL

2010-03-17T21:48:00.005-05:00

Tonight, I was at work until 8:45pm (got to work late, had a long TM lunch, making up a little time from yesterday...). I stopped by Chic-fil-a on the way home to pick up a free 3-pc Chic-n-Strips pack (coupon!), chowed it, changed, then was off and running to the Pro-Health for the last half-hour of operations.

I checked into the gym and was quickly recruited to fill in a spot for a 4 vs. 4. Brad was there, and he assured me that it was actually a pretty awesome night. And it kinda was. Three new faces and all with nice talent and temperament (energetic but/and controlled). Another 10 minutes, and we were 3 vs. 3. I was rusty at first but played it out. I was sure to stay back (jumped at one though *eh*), and I was 100% when it came to serving (awesome!).

Afterwards, Brad and I talked about an upcoming outing to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. I'm excited. I'm really liking him because he works hard, communicates well, and is respectful. It's in line with a trend lately that I'm finding more comfort with those who I don't necessarily share certain viewpoints with. (I'm an open-minded liberal.) Anyways, I guess that I'm digging the sense of sharing a space, effort, moment.

So I ran to the gym (blue Adidas, black tennis shorts, black Deland tech, and thin bright-yellow Anderson RRs singlet), played a half-hour of volleyball, talked with Brad, then as a light drizzle was felt, continued my run (no more drizzle, but mild chills and winds).

I ran to the WM side and decided against continuing on to The Avenue (too much away away). As I took the long way back, I really wanted over 3 miles, so when I reached the end of Lake Andrew, I turned back and ran to my neighborhood's first entrance and ran a weaving pattern through the north half of streets before looping back to the normal long route back home.

From the side of WM on, I didn't stop running -- and that's surprising me. It's definitely a confidence booster. The speed isn't there yet, but I'm was happy to last that long. I do feel some trouble in the center of my left foot (arch), but I'm going to monitor it and take tomorrow off.

During the run, I heard some rustling along the bushes along Lake Andrew -- it was deer that would sometimes spot on the road when I'm driving home at night. I just imagined one coming up and attacking me and how awesome of a story that would be. Also, I seem to have no problem spotting the Orion constellation, no matter what time or year it is... my eyes immediately find it when I step into the dark.

Anyways, I'm sure that I could ramble on and on about whatever, but I need to stop and post this before I run into a roadblock. It will feel good to finally press "Publish Post" again.

Here are tonight's sweaty Ceddy pics. Enjoy.

yeah, my kitchen floor is dirty...

MUSIC: "Telephone" Lady Gaga feat. Beyonce

2010-02-26T01:08:00.003-05:00

[Like Lady Antebellum's "Need You Now", I like this song the first time I heard it... very catchy, but also very structured, plus it has a lot of layers. Every time I listen to it, I'm dancing.]

"Telephone"
by Lady Gaga feat. Beyonce

Lyrics:

[Lady Gaga:]
Hello, hello, baby
You called, I can’t hear a thing.
I have got no service
in the club, you see, see
Wha-Wha-What did you say?
Oh, you’re breaking up on me
Sorry, I cannot hear you,
I’m kinda busy.

K-kinda busy
K-kinda busy
Sorry, I cannot hear you, I’m kinda busy.

Just a second,
it’s my favorite song they’re gonna play
And I cannot text you with
a drink in my hand, eh
You shoulda made some plans with me,
you knew that I was free.
And now you won’t stop calling me;
I’m kinda busy.

Stop callin’, stop callin’,
I don’t wanna think anymore!
I left my hand and my heart on the dance floor.
Stop callin’, stop callin’,
I don’t wanna talk anymore!
I left my hand and my heart on the dance floor.

Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh
Stop telephonin’ me!
Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh
I’m busy!
Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh
Stop telephonin’ me!
Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh

Can call all you want,
but there’s no one home,
and you’re not gonna reach my telephone!
Out in the club,
and I’m sippin’ that bub,
and you’re not gonna reach my telephone!

Call when you want,
but there’s no one home,
and you’re not gonna reach my telephone!
Out in the club,
and I’m sippin’ that bub,
and you’re not gonna reach my telephone!

[Beyonce:]
Boy, the way you blowin’ up my phone
won’t make me leave no faster.
Put my coat on faster,
leave my girls no faster.
I shoulda left my phone at home,
’cause this is a disaster!
Callin’ like a collector -
sorry, I cannot answer!

Not that I don’t like you,
I’m just at a party.
And I am sick and tired
of my phone r-ringing.
Sometimes I feel like
I live in Grand Central Station.
Tonight I’m not takin’ no calls,
’cause I’ll be dancin’.

‘Cause I’ll be dancin’
‘Cause I’ll be dancin’
Tonight I’m not takin’ no calls, ’cause I’ll be dancin’!

[x2]
Stop callin’, stop callin’,
I don’t wanna think anymore!
I left my hand and my heart on the dance floor.
Stop callin’, stop callin’,
I don’t wanna talk anymore!
I left my hand and my heart on the dance floor.

Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh
Stop telephonin’ me!
Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh
I’m busy!
Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh
Stop telephonin’ me!
Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh

[x2]
Can call all you want,
but there’s no one home,
you’re not gonna reach my telephone!
‘Cause I’m out in the club,
and I’m sippin’ that bub,
and you’re not gonna reach my telephone!

[x2]
My telephone!
M-m-my telephone!
‘Cause I’m out in the club,
and I’m sippin’ that bub,
and you’re not gonna reach my telephone!

We’re sorry the number you have reached is not in service at this time.
Please check the number, or try your call again

RUN: 5.06 miles @~43:00, Home<-LL->WM 1/2+&CVS, Melbourne, FL

2010-02-25T20:58:00.008-05:00

Good run tonight. It was chilly but I dressed warm. I ran with music -- Lady Gaga's "Telephone", Lady Antebellum's "Need You Now", and songs from Res's "Black.Girls.Rock!" album.

I haven't run much lately and only planned to run two miles, but after I got to WM, I figured that I was already out and dressed, and that the first mile was only warm-up. I hadn't run across I-95 in a long time, so I cut a new path over and went as far as CVS (Publix would've been too impersonal of a course). Turns out, I made a path just a hair over five miles.

I ran very consistently, not stopping to walk, only for traffic. I wore my older blue Asics

This Saturday, instead of the ESPN the Weekend 5K, I signed up for the Tail of the Lizard 2-Mile SCR race -- I'm supporting my club.

I'm hitting the parks tomorrow/Friday -- starting with a live taping of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" (yeah, I don't know who this is, but it seemed like a special event), followed by a visit to DHS to take a few pictures of/with [*fingers crossed*] John Anderson. Next, I'm going to visit Epcot to check out some of their Flower & Garden Festival displays (officially starts on March 3rd), see what Vancouver Olympics merchandise is offered at the Canada Pavilion, and take some more pictures of the world showcase construction projects (Mexico, China, Italy).

Saturday is the race, followed by some time at home. Then perhaps there'll be dinner and a movie at a co-worker-friend's house -- our office certainly needs the morale boost. Sunday is pretty much free. I need to pack for next weekend's D23 1-yr Celebration at WDW, which will then lead into a week-long business trip, which will be a much-needed change of pace.

Anyways, I'm glad that the weekend is started and that there seems to be more breathing room. Club-level Toastmasters contests are done (and successfully so). I could've handled a number of situations at work better, and I realize that each week is a new opportunity (life is cyclic).

As for the volleyball-ing, I opted not to go yesterday -- it has been more frustration than fun lately. By 10pm last night, I felt like I had listened to what I really needed, and that made me happy. I'll probably be taking the next couple weeks off to get back into the running. Anywho, below is my first me-pics in quite a while. Enjoy!

MUSIC: "Need You Now" by Lady Antebellum

2010-02-24T23:56:00.004-05:00

[I love this song. The song is very structured, and the chorus is quite catching. Both lead singers do fantastic, but I find the guy's voice particularly sexy. I had to look him up, and he honestly didn't disappoint -- he looks like Ryan Reynolds and Ryan Gosling's love child. Seriously. Add to that all the longing and vulnerability in the song, and I'm recruited to Team Lady A.

Speaking of ladies... I bought this song on iTunes along with Lady Gaga's "Telephone" feat. Beyonce, and I do have to mention that I've been playing the two songs on a loop in the car, and though one's country and the other is dance, they're quite complementary (each with their intros and outros). Anyways, enjoy!]

"Need You Now"
by Lady Antebellum

Lyrics:

Picture perfect memories scattered all around the floor.
Reaching for the phone 'cuz I can't fight it anymore.
And I wonder if I ever cross your mind.
For me it happens all the time.
It's a quarter after one, I'm all alone and I need you now.
Said I wouldn't call but I lost all control and I need you now.
And I don't know how I can do without.
I just need you now.

Another shot of whiskey, can't stopping looking at the door.
Wishing you'd come sweeping in the way you did before.
And I wonder if I ever cross your mind.
For me it happens all the time.
It's a quarter after one, I'm a little drunk and I need you now.
Said I wouldn't call but I lost all control and I need you now.
And I don't know how I can do without.
I just need you now.

Oh whoa
Yes I'd rather hurt than feel nothing at all.
It's a quarter after one, I'm all alone and I need you now.
And I said I wouldn't call but I'm a little drunk
and I need you now.
Well I don't know how I can do without. 
I just need you now
I just need you now.
Oh baby I need you now.

Official Music Video:

JOURNAL: Off the course.

2010-02-23T16:43:00.003-05:00

It's 4:45pm, and I'm already home. This week at work hasn't worked out very well. And it's only Tuesday.

The week started with a confrontation with a drama princess co-worker. It was too early in the week and too early in the day to have to put up with something like that. I confronted her back. And it has been awkward since. She gets over things quickly, but I feel like a dog peed on my leg and just walked away.

And today, my goal was to implement some changes to all our systems, but there were seemingly constant resource conflicts, and my screws were coming loose, so I bailed. I left work early with the intent to go in later tonight to put in what would be half a third shift. This really is kind of ridiculous since tomorrow is one of our TM club's speech contests.

In some vent-letting yesterday, I learned of a TM member's reluctance to help the club with a simple task. I already kinda sensed waning interest in the club, but the fact that this person put up such a "I'll be helpful" front to me... makes me feel unappreciated and like the Little Red Hen.

I'm realizing more and more how difficult it is to read people, and perhaps I should just prepare myself and allow myself the mistakes I'm going to make with them. I'm just afraid that prolonged exposure to this kind of environment will turn me into a greater cynic than I already am, and that's not the type of person I want to be.

Hence, that's the reason I had to bail today. I knew that I could get more done without anyone else around. I knew that my current assignment didn't really require working with anyone else (lots of waiting for people though). And I should have acted earlier and decided earlier to adjust my schedule. Also, my days have been too busy lately, and I need some time to myself -- perhaps sometime this weekend. But right now, I need to start a Boston Butt slow-cooking, finish some minutes, and get some dinner and a couple hours sleep.

Good luck everybody.

RUN: Night around Wickham Park, Melbourne, FL

2010-02-19T20:04:00.003-05:00

Tonight, I ran the roads around Wickham Park. I ran in sweatpants and a sweatshirt, the older Asics shoes, and with music (This American Life "Middle of the Night").

I ran slow but managed not to stop. I made a bad step with my left foot while running on the grassy side of Croton. It was cold but not too bad. I had trouble catching my breath at first; as the run went along, my breathing caught up.

The route is supposed to be 4 miles, but I figured that I ran somewhere around 25 minutes, and I totally didn't run 6-minute miles... weird. I'll have to measure and post the route another time (I'm skimping on routes and photos in order to just get entries up).
-----
This week has been National Engineering Week. I've had activities during lunchtime every day of this week (three of them being Toastmasters related). Today, I traveled down to Palm Bay for a presentation about Engineering at Disney. It was pretty fantastic. If I find my notes, I'll try to post more about it (I've got plenty of other things to catch up on).

Work has been a lot more consistent this week. I've been taking a "Bode Miller" approach to life and am "sacrificing some heart" for "more time on the podium". Also, all of the free leftover food was a big comfort.
-----
Anyways, tomorrow, I'm off to Orlando to help build ramps for the Center for Independent Living in Central Florida -- Rampage 2010! This is for my "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" hat & pin set -- then Sunday is a Disney Day! I'm glad it's the weekend.

JOURNAL: Busy week...

2010-02-16T00:36:00.002-05:00

...so I'll have to be lame with my blog entries. But I'm going to try anyway.

Today was unseasonably calm as compared to last week. I watched a video of an interview NBC Olympics had with US Alpine Skier Bode Miller, and it was "inspiring" (I put the word in quotes because his shared advice was more instructional than motivating). I could go into it here, but I think I need another couple days to digest.

Tonight was this month's SCR Board meeting. I had almost forgotten. It ran the entire length but did feel productive. I'm not sure where I'm going to find the time to write up the minutes. We had a couple of guests this time around looking for some suggestions for their first-time 5K event -- they left me hopeful because they seemed to be confident without being the least bit cocky; they were attentive and respectful; and I'll just say that they were charismatic. It was just nice to know that there's people like that out there.

In contrast... I got to the gym an hour past time, and I could already feel how the rest of the session would go. My team of regulars were getting frustrated with the team of goofballs that show up and constantly act the fool. I like the regulars too much to stop going to the gym. I just probably need to give up volleyball for a while and focus on getting back into running because I need that way of getting rid of frustration.

Anyways, the rest of the week is jammed-packed with lunch obligations and plans for after work... every single day. Then this Saturday is my Disney VoluntEar opportunity -- Winter Park Rampage 2010! -- which will be fun but it's still a commitment. Sunday, I'm taking off for myself -- a MUCH needed Disney Day.

And that's about it for now. Pictures are a bit too much work for my level of sanity.

G'night.

RUN: ?.? miles @??:??, MOM's<-->AnMed & Neighborhood, Anderson, SC

2010-02-12T18:00:00.003-05:00

This weekend, I'm at my parents' house in SC, and I decided to go for my first run since the HFMC 5K three weeks ago. I ran with running tights and sweatshirt, and that was just about right. I didn't run very hard... I jogged some, walked some, and took a few pictures. And I just enjoyed being outside and healthy. I took the opportunity as the start of my getting back in shape -- I've been out of practice -- and perhaps I'll start P90X once I get back next week.

Anyways, halfway through the outing, it began to snow. How wonderful! Plus it meant that we'd skip tonight's Asian Valentine's Party and instead stay at home and catch the Opening Ceremonies of the Vancouver Winter Olympics!

I hope that everyone has a Happy Valentine's Day!

[I'll post the Sweaty Ceddy Kitchen pics when I get back home.]

JOURNAL: Tonight, I Pack

2010-02-10T22:22:00.003-05:00

Endorphins coursing through my veins. I haven't run since the HFMC 5K (which I've been too busy to post about), but I finished my second night back of volleyball, and it was a pretty good night. I like my team, and we worked better together as the evening went along.

I know it's only Wednesday, but it's my virtual Friday, although I've been wishing for it for a couple days now -- this week at work has not been nice to me. I'm trying to re-adjust to 1st shift, to any sort of sleep schedule, and I'm still getting used to my new mattress... I can't seen to get accustomed to "proper furniture". I may just sleep on the couch tonight.

If I've learned anything these past few days is that perhaps a faulty memory is a good thing, and that if things are bothering me, perhaps I should just call it a bad day and leave it at that -- don't elaborate, don't vent, don't give it more than its due. Bad memory leads for a healthy mind.

I'm caught up on this years photos (on my fotki page) except for the first weekend at the parks and WDW Marathon weekend. I'll probably get one of those done before I leave tomorrow.

Anyways, I'm glad to be able to spend some time with MOM, playing Rummikub and watching TV (the Winter Olympics start on Friday). This should be relaxing.

NEWS: Heinz's New Ketchup Packet

2010-02-05T00:27:00.006-05:00

I saw this on Digg and was immediately excited! -- The H.J. Heinz Company's design for a new ketchup packet. Pretty cool. Well, it's like a typical dipping sauce container except with the option to squeeze. I still like it. This is the kind of stuff I should be thinking about.

Copyright Business Wire
[Link to news article]
[Link to more pictures]

JOURNAL: Fourth Day.

2010-02-04T10:35:00.002-05:00

It's Day 4 of 2nd shift, and I'm already seeing some patterns emerging.

The most obvious thing is that I'm waking up later and later... 8:00am, 8:15am, 8:30am, and this morning 9:00am. And with early commitments (e.g. Toastmaster meetings), I have even less time to get awake and prepped. My new mattress is being delivered tomorrow, so with this morning's slim time, I went out and got a bed frame -- hoping it's the right one.

I hope to start exercising again tomorrow, then next week start making arrangements with friends to meet for lunch.

We'll see how things progress.

JOURNAL: Day 3

2010-02-03T10:41:00.003-05:00

It's the morning before day 3 of 2nd shift. Today, I have a visit to the Beachside Broadcasters before I head into work. I then have an evening Volunteering Stand-Up [not comedy] event (also beach-side) for this weekend's Melbourne & Beaches Music Marathon, then I'll probably head back into work. Tomorrow should be a "more-typical" day.

I'd like to start back up with some exercise soon. I'm thinking that I'll start the P90X maybe this Friday. I need to do something. Sleep and other efforts seem to be alright. Contact with friends has been a bit off kilter, but this is just adjustments.

MOVIE: A Single Man "George and Jim Meet"

2010-02-02T11:47:00.004-05:00

[I can't remember whether or not I wrote up my visit to the Enzian to watch A Single Man a couple/few weeks ago (I could simply search my blog for it, but I'm about ready to head to work). Anyways, I loved the movie -- a definite must for a gay man's movie collection. No, there's nothing explicit, but just the style and mentality of the film... Anyways, the scene where George and Jim meet, I think, is one of the sweetest I've seen, and I am glad to have found the clip of it on YouTube (Thank you Weinstein Company). Enjoy. And Congratulations to Colin Firth on his much-deserved Oscar nomination!]

"George and Jim Meet"
from A Single Man

JOURNAL: 2nd Shift

2010-02-01T09:16:00.002-05:00

Howdy All,
I know... it's been another while since I've posted. Sorry. Been busy. Will try to do better next time.

Anyways, for the month of February, I'm working the second shift during our program's software integration and testing. I'm kind of excited about this change in schedule -- partly because of the sheer novelty of it and partly because I figure that I'll get a lot more blogging done in the morning when I'm the most creative. Still, this arrangement is going to take some adjustment.

I stayed up late last night, and I did like being able to sleep in (woke up at 8:30am). I can go run errands while all of the stores are open (kinda feel like an old person or a housewife in this aspect). But I have do have to give up evening volleyball at the gym this month as well as visits to some TM clubs I'll be supporting next TM year as Area Governor.

Weekends are filling up quickly with opportunities piling up. I'm having to make choices, and I've found that it's not as simple as "first to reserve" -- I have to assign priorities and think of the future. I'm feeling a bit grown up in this aspect.

Back when 2nd shift was only an prospect, I only had trepidation over my sleep schedule... was I suppose to go directly to bed after coming home from work circa midnight? Chances were that I'd be up til at least 3am, waking up late the next morning, and cutting into my housework time.

I'm just going to see how things manage and make the necessary adjustments.

But overall, I'm excited.

:)
~Cedric

MUSIC: "They-Say Vision" by Res

2010-01-23T21:59:00.004-05:00

[I've been tired of podcasts and "today's music", so I've been going back into the archives and pulling out some stuff from college and my early months of Florida. One of my favorite favorites is this song, "They-Say Vision" by Res. Her album "How I Do" is Solid. I appreciate the song's message of wanting to give up and just subscribe to everyone else's point-of-view. That was much of my mindset through college, though with my growth and perspective today, perhaps I'm providing a vision for others to subscribe to.] [wiki]

"They-Say Vision"
by Res

Lyrics:

I wanna try that pill that people take
Make you believe all the things that people say
Sick of shuckin' 'round with a screwed up face
With my heels dug in trying to leave a trace
Now come on put me down somehow
How you lose your faith
(just take my hand and lead me where you wanna)

[Chorus:]
Pay no more mind to what you think you've seen
It's as they do only
Say what they say
'Cause there's only one way
They-Say Vision
It takes you back to just where you want
Like when you ain't know no way

Industry's down think I've died and I've flown away
So so long to them thieves who came and took all the things to say
I play the joker sometimes but then those moments slide back my way
'Cause for real I'd give my soul away
Give it all away
(so take my hand and lead me where you wanna)

[Chorus]

I know where they all go find someplace
Where they don't mind loafing about the waste

They-Say Vision takes you back to where no conscience
Free from how you really see

And if you think that you know
Take the back road
They got you where they want
They got you

JOURNAL: Hi8us

2010-01-19T23:24:00.002-05:00

Howdy All,
Just wanted to post that I'm going on Hi8us while other things settle down a bit. I have a lot of posts to make up for, and I do feel the pressure of that. I just need to concentrate on some other efforts. Then I'll be back.

Til then, there's plenty of words and pics in the archives. Just choose a category from the right side panel and enjoy. Thanks.
:)
~Cedric

RUN/WOG: 3.27 miles @28:05, Viera Wetlands, Viera, FL

2010-01-17T16:36:00.002-05:00

Today, I went out for my first run since the Goofy last weekend. I figured, I was in town today, and I should run. It was very windy outside (couldn't listen to the iPod). It was also mildly chilly, so I was coughing, otherwise nice weather. I basically ran an outer loop and an inner loop. I was just dehydrated from drinking so much coffee this morning. I visited a friend who was in town. We had breakfunch at Grills Seafood Restaurant in Port/Cape Canaveral.

Yesterday, I had Toastmasters Training in Orlando, then went to the teahouse for dinner, visited the pugs at Pom's, then drove back up to the Enzian to catch the mid-showing of A Single Man.

Friday, I had a park day -- primarily to use up a DisneyQuest ticket. I went to DHS beforehand -- busy at first then crowds Really lightened up. Afterwards, I visited MK to take pictures of the drained moat around Cinderella's Castle. I also rode Carousel of Progress with the guy who was riding it for 11hrs that day to celebrate its 35th anniversary (got my picture taken with him!). Asides, I rode the WDW Railroad and Big Thunder... that's it. I did watch fireworks from the Joe Potter, and again my camera batteries retracted just as the final burst of fireworks were being shot off.

Anyways, the run today was fine. I stopped by Target afterwards to pick up some water and oranges... then ended up buying lunch/dinner (summer salad and potato wedges) and a lot of frozen foods (mostly some variation of french fries). Now, I'm going to take a shower then perhaps head into the office for a few hours. In addition, I have a couple emails to send out and a speech to prepare... canned... fun... (not sure if that's sarcasm). Busy busy busy.

I'll put up pics at some other point in the future. I don't want to procrastinate this post.

JOURNAL: It's been a while

2010-01-13T23:26:00.002-05:00

Howdy all,
It's been a while since I've posted... which usually means big events that I think about posting then get overwhelmed. For instance, last weekend was the Disney Marathon. Sisters came down plus Anthony and Baloo. It sleeted the entire half-marathon, but we had our snuggies on. The marathon was Camille's first, and she did awesome. I was trying to get over a cough I've had since the Sunday after New Year's. A friend and I ran the New Year's Eve 5K then went over to Disney for a weekend. And I'm thinking that I'm ready for a solo park trip just to decompress. There's issues I need to sort out with it all, and so I've been taking a blog break until I can figure.

Anyways, just wanted to post something so as not to fall completely out of practice. I'm trying to get a group of us volleyball people together and out to the parks... with more people than passes. Who gets priority? I think that I have it kind of figured out.

Okay, this entry sucks, but it's an entry. G'night.

DISNEY: "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" and the FL-Resident "Dream Pass"

2010-01-06T23:25:00.006-05:00

Also, Walt Disney World's offering Florida-Residents a 4-Day "Dream Pass".

Now through May 25, 2010, in-state residents can get four days’ admission to any of the four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks for $99. Not only does that spell incredible savings but it’s a time when the parks are less crowded and there are more ways than ever to enjoy the magic. Details: * 4 Day Dream Pass * Admission to any of the 4 Walt Disney World theme parks any 4 days (excluding blockout period); 1 park per day. * $99 for adults (ages 10+) plus tax, $84 plus tax for ages 3-9 * Offer period: Jan. 3, 2010-May 25, 2010 * Purchase by: May 21, 2010 * Blockout dates: March 27-April 9, 2010 * Proof of Florida residency required; pass is nontransferable and excludes activities/events separately priced. * To purchase or for more information: disneyworld.com/99.

MUSIC: "1901" by Phoenix

2010-01-04T18:57:00.004-05:00

[I first heard this song on the Cinema 2009 video -- it's really cool (1 Year, 342 Movies, 12 Months of hard work, 7 Minutes). Anyways, I listened to it right after watching District 9 and found it to be the perfect epitome song for the movie. For some reason, to me, this song represents the struggle and optimism, a tasty combination.]

"1901"
by Phoenix
Official:

Acoustic:

Lyrics:

Counting all different ideas drifting away
Past and present they don’t matter
Now the future’s sorted out
Watch her moving in elliptical patterns
Think it’s not what you say
What you say is way too complicated
For a minute thought I couldn’t tell how to fall out

It’s twenty seconds till the last call
You’re going hey hey hey hey hey hey
Lie down you know it’s easy
Like we did it over summer long

And I’ll be anything you ask and more
You’re going hey hey hey hey hey hey hey
It’s not a miracle we needed
No I wouldn’t let you think so

Fold it, fold it, fold it, fold it (x2)

Girlfriend, oh your girlfriend is drifting away
Past and present 1855-1901
Watch them built up a meteor tower
Think it’s not gonna stay anyway
Think it’s overrated
For a minute thought I couldn’t tell how to fall out

It’s twenty seconds till the last call
You’re going hey hey hey hey hey hey
Lie down you know it’s easy
Like we did it over summer long

And I’ll be anything you ask and more
You’re going hey hey hey hey hey hey hey
It’s not a miracle we needed
And no I wouldn’t let you think so

Fold it, fold it, fold it, fold it (x4)

RUN: 4.61 miles @??:??, Melbourne Cswy, Melbourne, FL

2009-12-26T10:31:00.003-05:00

This morning, I ran with some guys from work at the Melbourne Causeway. It was an early start (7:00am). I had kept the bedroom lights on so I would remember not to go back to sleep, and I got there with a minute to spare.

It was chilly outside, and I ran with sweatpants, cotton long-sleeve, short-sleeved tech, and skull cap. My legs felt very heavy but I managed to go slow & steady, persist, and run the out and back with a less-than-a-minute break at the turnaround.

It was a good start of the day, and I stopped by Wal-Mart for some sandwich supplies and managed a RedBox copy of Inglourious Basterds. I'm reading the spoilers before each scene because I'm wary of graphic violence.

Anyways, that's about it. I'm hoping to make it all the way through the report today and get most of the pictures copy-marked. It's going to be a long one with lots of food pics.

I'll probably also have to get a nap in at some point.

Happy Boxing Day!

Here's today's sweaty ceddy gif:

RUN: ~2 miles @7:29 & 6:51, Home<-LL->WM, Melbourne, FL

2009-12-25T21:09:00.005-05:00

Merry Christmas!

Tonight was my fourth day of running in a row, and my legs are starting to not like me very much... jk, they have a high tolerance level. Anyways, I just went out for a quick two -- a pseudo-timed mile out and mile back.

I ran sans music or anything asides from a long-sleeve tech and "normal" running shorts. The weather was nice -- night-cloudy but not cold -- and my body was feeling a little dehydrated but fine enough.

The roundabout was deserted so I didn't have to stop. I ran the entire way. I clocked a steady 7:29. Within half-a-minute, I was on my way back, trying to run a negative split. My motivation level was above average, and I also ran the entire way back, shaving 38 seconds off. I felt good with just the two miles. I'm getting tired of this course.

On the last stretch of Lake Andrew, a truck passed me, and it had Christmas lights lining its bed. That was cool.

Here's a sweaty ceddy gif(!):

-----
Anyways, I didn't spend Christmas alone. I went over to Volleyball Susan's parents' house and spent the afternoon with her extended family -- parents, uncles, sisters, nephews, in-laws. I don't remember a Christmas being around so much family. It was really heart-warming and nice. Everyone got along and they had their traditions -- whiskey shot before dinner, Polish food (sauerkraut-, plum-, and peach-filled pierogies), scratch-off lottery cards, and camera-ing. There was a lot of diversity and love, and I appreciate them welcoming me into their home and their holiday.

In subtle contrast, my family hasn't reach that level of serenity yet. A bit chaotic, but whose isn't at some point? It's fine. Right now, it's nothing I can't handle -- like, on the way to Susan's, I got a call from my brother, and I willingly got into an argument with him. No worries on my part because I was clearly in good mind the entire time and was able to conduct some necessary discussion -- I considered it my way of giving my brother an opportunity to grow. Anyways, I really believe that had my family been able to have all gotten together this year (for Thanksgiving or Christmas), we would've been able to resolve many of our issues with each other. Anywho...

"Christmas with other families" appears to have been this year's theme, but hopefully, we each can come together soon and apply our new perspective positively and productively.

I believe that life is a series of opportunities and that from time-to-time we need to accept some of them in order to live and grow. I'm looking forward to another week to reflect... and to catch up on a lot of half-completed blog entries.

Merry Christmas.

:)

RUN: 5.33 miles @untimed, Home<-LL->Stdm Pkwy Loop (CCW), Melbourne, FL

2009-12-24T19:45:00.006-05:00

Happy Christmas Eve!

[had to use MapMyRun because Gmap-Pedometer has been buggy
along with a lot of other Google tools]
This morning, I was feeling the results of two long runs after two weeks of not running. If my legs were feeling like this after a 6.60- and 5.35-mile run, how will it feel after a 13.1- and 26.2-mile run? Anyways, it's been a very nice Melbourne day. I ran some errands (shopping) which was fine given the circumstances. At WalMart, my legs weren't particularly well-working but my arms were... (that didn't sound right) -- I was crossing the street when a woman talking on her cellphone in her SUV almost ran me over. I slapped the back of her car and felt good that I did.

I did a load of laundry, made a big batch of Chex Mix (my 5th or 6th batch this season), watched some Alias (almost done with Season 4), and worked on my report. The report has been quite daunting, and I just need to press on and get through it... I don't want it taking up my entire holiday.

Coworkers, friends, and others have been concerned with my decision to stay in town for the holidays and about the possibility of me spending Christmas alone. Personally, I don't think that I would have much of an issue with it. Still, I received a few invitations, and I've decided to accept one -- to spend some time with my volleyball friend Susan and her family. She's been a great friend and very supportive since day one, and I appreciate her and all my other friends at the gym. And I'm looking forward to some great food and great company tomorrow.

Anyways, about tonight's run... I went out with a goal of an untimed 2-mile just to get my legs loose again, and I did start off gimp-ish and short-strided, but when I reached the side of WalMart, my legs were feeling warmed up, and I just kept going. I ran sans watch, sans music, sans shirt, and sans skull cap. I did wear windpants and decided en route to convert my large long-sleeved OUC Half tech into a sleeveless as a project sometime later this holiday. My new shoes are feeling good.

I very happy that I ran without stopping (except for minor traffic near one of the churches); and I'm not as worried about the Goofy... (in a couple weeks? holy!).

Also, like the past couple nights, I went out for a run when I was starting to feel really tired, and I think that my body settles into a good, happy state right before it thinks it's going to bed (yeah, it's going to catch on and punish me later). Still, this self-oriented insight is encouraging.

Alright, I'm going to get cleaned up and put some food in me... maybe a drink too (I replenished my stock of spirits this afternoon)... caramel apple anyone? It's going to be a good evening... probably finish up Alias S4 and put in another couple hours on the report before getting to bed.

Here's tonight's sweaty ceddy pics (I miss my other camera):

MUSIC: The Christmas Can-Can performed by Straight No Chaser

2009-12-24T17:21:00.006-05:00

Thanks for the link Cung!

Straight No Chaser (Indiana University) performing their Christmas Can-Can:

And here's their 12 Days of Christmas from 2008:

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkhachakh, and Joyful Kwanzaa everybody!

RUN: 5.35 miles @37:23+, Home<-LL->Publix, Melbourne, FL

2009-12-23T18:46:00.005-05:00

Two nights in a row! "long runs". Kinda slow but not totally ugly running. Tonight, I shed a lot of the clothes from last night, only doubling up on short-sleeved shirts (cotton under tech). I wore a skull cap because I hadn't gelled the hair and otherwise it would've been sticking straight up. I ran with music (Savage Love for the first half, This American Life [Rest In Peace (gloom)] for the second). I did a lot of waving to cars at intersections. One guy in a big oil tanker was friendly and waved back. I ran solid out but broke the return trip into sprints and short walks, adjusting the watch accordingly. I felt a little muscle tired but pretty good overall.

Now, I'm going to grab a quick right-after shower and get to work on the Disney article that I'm getting exponentially more anxious about. I have to do it. Anyways, I took sweaty pics but will post that afterwards to expedite this entry.

[Here're the pictures... I'm trying to smile]

RUN: 6.60 miles @58:44, Home <-LL-> Stdm Pkwy Loop (CCW) + WM+ (CW), Melbourne, FL

2009-12-22T20:27:00.010-05:00

Oh Hai. My name is Cedric, and I used to blog here. (as Jake would say)

Yeah, it's been a while... busy at work and writing assignments that are easy anxiety fodder. But tonight I went for an hour-long run and am full of blog juice, so here I go.

Today is my holiday eve... eve. One more day of work before I am free (until Jan 4). This season, I've decided to just stay in Melbourne because family plans were too much in flux, and as hinted, I have a writing assignment looming.

Work's been challenging... more in the coordination of efforts -- I'm still trying to get everyone's story straight and figuring a path to plow forward on. Stacks of calorie-intensive holidays goodies and distractions abound -- and you'd think that dwindling office numbers prompted by the prospect of family gatherings (or justified laziness) would help, and it does, except when part of the affected are the people you need to coordinate with.

(yes, I'm rambling... better than too little?)

Anyways, one more day, and I'm looking forward to making more progress and setting myself up for a win early when we get back.

Stuff I need to catch up on: I have a post almost ready about the OUC Half Marathon earlier this month (except for the pictures & video), and I may get that completed towards the start of the true holiday; also, a few Disney trip reports, which will probably come after the big report -- this past weekend, I just got done with sorting through 1700+ photos, whittling them down to a neat 770.

Okay, about tonight's run. I hadn't run since the OUC Half a couple weeks ago. The weather had turned cold, but moreso I've been putting my pressure to work on the report ahead of my own personal well-being. And when I don't let myself out to run for a couple weeks, I really start to feel it. I've been getting more sleep these past couple nights (thanks to a new friend), and I thought that I'd capitalize on the self-pointed vividness and do this good thing.

I knew that it was really cold outside, and I didn't want to under-dress, so I wore my undies, running tights, running shorts, and sweatpants... long-sleeve cotton shirt, short-sleeved tech-shirt, and sweatshirt... two pairs of socks, gloves, and a skull cap. By mile 1.5, the gloves were off and tucked in my tights, and my sweatshirt was off and around my waist. I did run with a safety light (clipped onto the cap, so that had to stay on) and music: This American Life ("#1 Party School" episode).

Instead of being focused on the course/distance, I went out time-oriented -- I was going to run for an hour. I ran up Lake Andrew and did the Stadium Pkwy loop (CCW) sans VHS (since it was really dark). I ended up tacking on a CW WM+Stores loop, and made it home with 1:16 to spare (close enough). Traffic was heavy but not too bad.

By mile 2, my chest was feeling tight -- bad endurance, and I really felt like my form suffered. I slowed it down until I felt better then got into a better rhythm. As I was running the back stretch, I was running patient, feeling really good, and almost forgot that I was running... hence, the tacked on loop with no issues.

The weather was really quite perfect, and I wasn't hungry/thirsty/anything. I didn't really sprint it home tonight because of the leftover time and because it was a pleasant run (just right). And it was a good break-in run for my new shoes: Adidas SuperNova Glide, size 9 1/2 (they're still clean!).

Anyways, I seriously ate ~~too many~~ so many cookies at work today. This holiday saw quite a number giving cookies away as gifts, and they've all been delicious! I was able to take pictures of a couple of the sets -- one from my officemate and the other from another coworker's family.

Fantastic!

Anyways, I've gotta get a shower and some food/beer in me, then perhaps another early-to-bed.

One more day. Woo!

Oh, here's the sweaty ceddy pics (clothes on because it's chilly... okay, one shirtless):

MOVIE: The Princess and the Frog

2009-12-11T19:46:00.002-05:00

I just got back from watching The Princess and the Frog, and I really really liked it.

Back in September, I saw the first 30 minutes at the D23 Expo and remember thinking it had too many songs right away. But since then, I've seen Tiana's Showboat Jubilee at the Magic Kingdom three times (that's a great show!) and when I saw the actual movie now, the songs were fresher and more resonant. The animation was absolutely fantastic -- it screams tradition but also craft -- and I liked some of the choices they made concerning the story...

Anyways, I was imagining what the D23 Princess and the Frog event in California would've been like to attend. Anyways, The Princess and The Frog is another film that Disney and fans can be proud to include in their collection. Great job!

JOURNAL: WA1A's Gaylord Palms ICE Tickets

2009-12-08T20:02:00.008-05:00

I won a pair of tickets to ICE at the at the Gaylord Palms Resort! I won them this afternoon from 107.1 WA1A. It's been months since my try, and it seemed amazingly simple this time around: I was caller #1 and then #7.

Spend a holiday weekend getaway in Orlando, and experience ICE!, Orlando’s coolest holiday attraction at the spectacular Gaylord Palms Resort. ICE! at Gaylord Palms in Orlando, it’s 2 million pounds of ICY fun. ICE!, which is kept at a chilly nine degrees, is your chance to have a winter holiday experience – even in Florida! Don’t worry – warm winter coats are provided! Only at Gaylord Palms!

For more information, visit www.gaylordpalms.com/ice

Anyways, I hope that I'll have the time/opportunity to use the tickets, but I may also be fine with giving the tickets to a couple friends just as gifts. As a ticket winner, I've been automatically entered into a weekly drawing for a "Best Of Florida Christmas" package including a stay at the Gaylord Palms and more ICE tickets! I'm going to wait until Friday before I make any decisions.

[eop]

DISNEY: My picture is on the D23 website! Woo!

2009-12-08T00:08:00.005-05:00

I was checking the D23 website for any updates, and on the Expo & Events I saw that their new "2010 D23 Member Events Coming Soon!" image and first found Deb in the bottom right picture (from D23's Flowers and Fireworks), then I looked up and saw me (from D23's Sip & Stroll)! Woo!

I <3 D23!

MUSIC: "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga

2009-11-28T21:20:00.004-05:00

"Bad Romance"
by Lady Gaga
On Ellen:
Official Video:

Lyrics:

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance

Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah-ah!
Roma-roma-mamaa!
Ga-ga-ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance

Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah-ah!
Roma-roma-mamaa!
Ga-ga-ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance

I want your ugly
I want your disease
I want your everything
As long as it's free
I want your love
(Love-love-love I want your love)

I want your drama
The touch of your hand
I want your leather-studded kiss in the sand
I want your love
Love-love-love
I want your love
(Love-love-love I want your love)

You know that I want you
And you know that I need you
I want it bad, your bad romance

I want your loving and
I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
(Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!)
I want your love and
All your lovers' revenge
You and me could write a bad romance

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance

Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah-ah!
Roma-roma-mamaa!
Ga-ga-ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance

I want your horror
I want your design
'Cause you're a criminal
As long as your mine
I want your love
(Love-love-love I want your love-uuhh)

I want your psycho
Your vertigo stick
Want you in my rear window
Baby your sick
I want your love
Love-love-love
I want your love
(Love-love-love I want your love)

You know that I want you
('Cause I'm a freak bitch baby!)
And you know that I need you
I want a bad, bad romance

I want your loving and
I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
(Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!)
I want your love and
All your lovers' revenge
You and me could write a bad romance

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance

Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah-ah!
Roma-roma-mamaa!
Ga-ga-ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance

Walk, walk fashion baby
Work it
Move that bitch crazy

Walk, walk fashion baby
Work it
Move that bitch crazy

Walk, walk fashion baby
Work it
Move that bitch crazy

Walk, walk passion baby
Work it
I'm a freak bitch, baby

I want your love and
I want your revenge
I want your love
I don't wanna be friends

Je veux ton amour
Et je veux ta revanche
J'adore l'amour
I don't wanna be friends
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
I don't wanna be friends
(Caught in a bad romance)
I don't wanna be friends
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
Want your bad romance
(Caught in a bad romance)
Want your bad romance!

I want your loving and
I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
I want your love and
All your lovers' revenge
You and me could write a bad romance

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh!
Want your bad romance
(Caught in a bad romance)
Want your bad romance

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh!
Want your bad romance
(Caught in a bad romance)

Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah-ah!
Roma-roma-mamaa!
Ga-ga-ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance

FOOD: Chex Party Mix

2009-11-24T23:28:00.007-05:00

Chex Party Mix
(this is how I did it)Ingredients:

3 cups Rice Chex

3 cups Corn Chex

3 cups Wheat Chex

2 cups Pretzels (doubled up since I'm skipping the bagel chips)

1 cup of Mixed Nuts (no peanuts!)

6 Tbsp. Butter, melted

2 Tbsp. Worcester Sauce (it was new, but you don't want to know how old this was)

1/2 tsp. Onion Powder ($.50 at wal-mart)

3/4 tsp. Garlic Powder

1 1/2 tsp. Seasoned Salt (didn't know there was such a thing... next time I'm using Old Bay)

Directions (followed oven instructions instead of microwave):

Preheat the oven to 250F.

Melt the butter in a large roasting pan in the oven.

Add the seasoning ingredients and mix well.

Slowly add the rest of the ingredients.

Gently mix to coat.

Bake in oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.

Let cool on paper towels for 15 minutes, then

Store in airtight container.

Okay, I'm already munching on the mix, and I'm really liking it. I hope that there's enough for the people at the office tomorrow. This was my first try, and I have enough cereal for a second batch (tomorrow maybe). On the back of each Chex box is a different Chex Mix recipe -- Cinnamon-Apple Chex Mix, Cheesy Ranch Chex Mix, and Chex Muddy Buddies. I may have to "Chexperiment" more often.

:)

[eop]

RUN: 10.1 miles @nearly 2 hours, Melbourne Beach, FL

2009-11-21T12:08:00.003-05:00

Okay, so my friend Thomas convinced me to go run with them this morning. And yeah, it hurt. I did well on the way out even though I had to let them go ahead. It was on the way back that the effects of being off my morning routine (and being undertrained) hit me. So five miles out, I had to walk the way back. It was almost two hours, but hey, it's another 2 hours of exercise I can say I did.

Yeah, I'm not running until this Thursday, when I'll have a similar experience -- 10 miles, but in Deland for their Thanksgiving run. Whenever I'm in Florida for the holiday, I try to run it.

Anyways, now I'm going to get packed and will head over to Orlando. I hope to catch a couple movies today (Precious and An Education) then tomorrow's the official grand re-opening of Space Mountain at MK. It's going to be a busy time.

MUSIC: "Walking On Snow" by Jordin Sparks

2009-11-20T14:34:00.002-05:00

I borrowed Jordin Spark's Battlefield album from the library, and from the moment I heard the first notes, I knew that I loved its first track, Walking on Snow. When I hear it, I imagine driving in LBV at dusk after a very satisfying visit. Perhaps I'll have that opportunity this Sunday. Anyways, I hope you also enjoy the song. :)

"Walking On Snow"
by Jordin Sparks

Lyrics:

You fire words, but all they do is ricochet
You think I'm payin' the price, but it's not costing me
Your love was a waste of time
You've been left behind
You made no mark on me, you're gone and you left no sign
You're not on my mind, don't try to press rewind

It's like walking on snow, without leavin' a trace
When all that you said never carried no weight
I came out untouched and in another place
When you gonna get it, I'm so unaffected

When I was flyin' high, you tried to clip my wings
You shot my out of the sky
You tried to make it up buyin' expensive things
Your love was a waste of time
You've been left behind
You made no mark on me, you're gone and you left no sign
You're not on my mind, don't try to press rewind

It's like walking on snow, without leavin' a trace
When all that you said never carried no weight
I came out untouched and in another place
When you gonna get it, I'm so unaffected
It's like walking on snow, without leavin' a trace
You're not gonna see, gonna see this heart break
You huff and you puff but I'm not blowin' away
When you gonna get it, I'm so unaffected

You try and find, find fault in me
Project yourself, hate so easily
You already lost so you push me more
Cause I didn't buy it so, so you push me so

1,2,3,4

It's like walking on snow, without leavin' a trace
When all that you said never carried no weight
I came out untouched and in another place
When you gonna get it, I'm so unaffected
It's like walking on snow, without leavin' a trace
You're not gonna see, gonna see this heart break
You huff and you puff but I'm not blowin' away
When you gonna get it, I'm so unaffected
When you gonna get it, I'm so unaffected

JOURNAL: Dog Wash Run / RUN: 5.16 miles, Home<-LL->WWTP, Melbourne, FL

2009-11-15T18:19:00.008-05:00

Today was a fine day. I spent the night on Pom's couch and was able to sleep in until 10:30am. Then she made breakfast as we watched Top Chef and some History Channel. After that, I resisted the urge to head back to the parks, and I drove home.

I went out to get a book of poetry from the library only to find it was closed on Sundays. I also wanted to get my oil changed, but the two places I had coupons for were also closed. Then I saw that the new Top Dog Express Car Wash near my house also did oil changes. I pulled in only wanting to know how much an oil change was, but I quickly caved and let them have at it. And I have to say that I was incredibly impressed.

The staff was incredibly nice and professional (also: young, clean, attentive). I was in the car the entire time ("due to insurance reasons, customers must remain in their car the entire time") and that wasn't for too long. They were quick and efficient -- their communication with each other for each step of the service was pretty awesome.

They also checked my car's fluids and air filter then took the time to go over this with me. One of the guys also check my car's cabin air filter (behind the glove compartment), and it turned out to be incredibly dirty (it's been 155K+ miles); I was fine with getting it replace there because it was a good find, and I felt like they were doing a good job making me comfortable throughout this process.
It was like an auto-shop version of Chic-fil-a.

Included with the oil change was a free car wash -- and it was a really nice one too. It was one where you put your car in neutral and your car is guided through a series of sprayers and wet noodles. Then, I drove around and some workers hand-dried the car, brushed the tires, and worked to remove some of the bugs from the hood.

It was like a D23 Oil Change/Car Wash -- it felt very VIP.

Anyways, I hope that they didn't set my expectations too high. It really was very good service, and I'll definitely be back in another 3,000-4,000 miles.

So, I drove home feeling really good -- I saved a lot of time; my cabin air filter was now clean and smelling of lemon. And I translated this good feeling into getting changed and back outside to mow the lawn, which was relatively easy this time around. And then, I changed shoes and grabbed the music (NPR: Most-emailed stories) and headed out for an extended run.

Tonight, I ran from my house to the roundabout then west until the sidewalk ended (entrance of the waste water treatment plant). I stopped briefly a few times, mostly because I found the run to be boring, but otherwise think that I did well -- I had a couple sprint stretches. Perhaps I should go easy on the Orlando weekends and instead do the Saturday morning causeway run with co-workers and then the Sunday long runs up in Cocoa with the running club.

Anyways, here's tonight's picture of me. It's time for bed.

[eop]

RUN: 3.07 miles @??:??, Home<-LL->WM+?, Melbourne, FL

2009-11-12T23:50:00.005-05:00

Tonight, I went for a late night run (11:30pm). It was chilly outside, so I wore my State Champion sweatshirt and Goofy sweatpants. I ran with music (iPod: BEP & BH) and just ran 3 miles (non-standard 2nd mile). I also ran with a couple lozenges since the top-back of my throat suddenly felt weird. Oh well, I boiled a chicken and made a lot of porridge, so I should be good to go.

It was a busy and productive week at work -- one PTR in review, started design on another. I did a peer review and some preliminary coding. Toastmasters was good on Wednesday -- we had a guest, new member inductions, prepared speeches (funny), table topics, evaluations, and certificates! Overall, a smoothly-run and full meeting that ended on time.

It's been relatively calm at work. My officemate has been spectacular. The Dreamer-Relater dynamic is working. And I get the empathy that I need sans partner. I'm looking forward to a busy weekend -- an UP dinner at Jordan's tomorrow (Friday), then a long easy day at the parks (prob just MK and DTD) on Saturday, then brunch with Pom on Sunday.

I'm going to take a shower and then see if I can't submit Part II of my Sip & Stroll report (which I feel is past due). Anyways, here's a couple sweaty ceddy pics from tonight. Enjoy!

[eop]

GYM: Blahlley Voll

2009-11-09T21:11:00.003-05:00

The title eludes to this evening's sentiment. I can't even really describe it. Tonight was frustrating. I was at the office on time and stayed a couple hours afterwards to handle some Toastmasters matter, which was nice, quiet, productive. Then I'm at home just long enough to change into gym clothes and microwave a couple hot dogs (dinner, no buns), and drive over.

I wasn't playing well, but it wasn't just that. I just wasn't having any fun playing against one of the teams, and I just had to get out of there. So I'm home at 9:10pm and catching up on The Amazing Race, something that's pleasant. I'm about to go grab a beer and make it even more pleasant.

Anyways, that's all I have to report for today. I'll be sure to catch up on older posts at some point.

RUN: 2.32 miles @??:??, Home<-LL->WM, Melbourne, FL

2009-11-03T19:00:00.003-05:00

(reused map)
I left work early to race the sun. I got the lawn mowed before the sun went down, and I trimmed/edged in the dark (so quick). Afterwards, I was warmed-up and just took off to WM & back. It was the first time in a long time that I felt light on my feet. And I actually ran the mile there "without stopping". I made a pit stop at WM and chatted with the greeter who had recognized me from another late-night WM run (for headphones that other time). Then I ran the mile back home without stopping. I actually sprinted the last stretch, and it felt good to actually push myself.

Endorphinized, I was able to sing a full Anthem in the shower, and my mind and fingers were clear for a lot of typing -- a big change from this morning when I was having a bad/blah day at work. It all changed tonight with some happy emails/contacts that really brightened my day.

I have a lot to do: article writing, blog posts, weekend packing, photo orders. Still, tonight I mowed the lawn, went for a run, showered early, had dinner (and a couple beers), did a load of laundry (wash, dry, fold), clipped coupons, and caught up on Project Runway.

Anyways, here are tonight's pics:

[eop]

RUN/WALK: 3.62 miles @??:??, Home<-LL->Ave Light, Melbourne, FL

2009-10-31T21:20:00.004-05:00

Happy Halloween!

This year, I didn't do anything. I stayed at home with the lights off as I finished and submitted the first half of my report on D23's Sip & Stroll event a couple weeks ago. To celebrate, I went for a run, now that I had one less thing to use to procrastinate other things.

Today, in the mail, I received a "Timex iControl Ironman Watch with iPod Control" I ordered from Woot.com, and tonight I tried it out. I plugged the sensor to the bottom of my iPod, and I was able to use my watch to start/stop the music (Ep #150 of the Netcot podcast) and adjust the volume, which was major cool. I don't think I can bring that into work though...

Anyways, I ran in my orange running shirt (thin, no zipper) and slate/teal shorts. It was around 9:30pm and there didn't seem to be many kids out. I was also wearing my newest running shoes with no special insole inserts. The padding on my left foot was uncomfortable from the start, so I eased up a bit. I walked quite a bit and was on the brink of a stomach cramp but survived.

Not a bad outing. Not great either. But it made me wonder how I got through 8+ miles last Saturday... in a cape... carrying a camera.

Anyways, I fixed my kitchen faucet this week. I want to post about that, but tomorrow I'm treating myself to Disney (yes, again). The main reason is that I want a weekly brochure from the Food & Wine Festival (the color's different each week). And yes, that's basically the only reason. Well, maybe I'll try catching the new Princess Tiana's Showboat Jubilee. I also have two months to use up two park tickets and two tickets to DisneyQuest.

Anywho, I need to get to bed. I guess that's where my extra hour will go to. I'll just put in a half-day at the parks... go do what I need to then come on home.

Happy Halloween. Here's the sweaty pic:

MUSIC: "Fallin' For You" by Colbie Caillat

2009-10-31T17:14:00.003-05:00

[I like this song despite her last single, Realize, which bothered me. And I'm glad to have found the music video to share, but it plays off very lame after a genuinely promising start. Oh well, this'll be good as background music.]

"Fallin' For You"
by Colbie CaillatLINK to official music video, found on Clevver.com

Lyrics:

I don’t know but
I think I maybe
Fallin’ for you
Dropping so quickly
Maybe I should
Keep this to myself
Waiting ’til I
Know you better

I am trying
Not to tell you
But I want to
I’m scared of what you’ll say
So I’m hiding what I’m feeling
But I’m tired of
Holding this inside my head

I’ve been spending all my time
Just thinking about ya
I don’t know what to do
I think I’m fallin’ for you
I’ve been waiting all my life
And now I found ya
I don’t know what to do
I think I’m fallin’ for you
I’m fallin’ for you

As I’m standing here
And you hold my hand
Pull me towards you
And we start to dance
All around us
I see nobody
Here in silence
It’s just you and me

I’m trying
Not to tell you
But I want to
I’m scared of what you’ll say
So I’m hiding what I’m feeling
But I’m tired of
Holding this inside my head

I’ve been spending all my time
Just thinking about ya
I don’t know what to do
I think I’m fallin’ for you
I’ve been waiting all my life
and now I found ya
I don’t know what to do
I think I’m fallin’ for you
I’m fallin’ for you

Oh I just can’t take it
My heart is racing
The emotions keep spilling out

I’ve been spending all my time
Just thinking about ya
I don’t know what to do
I think I’m fallin’ for you
I’ve been waiting all my life
and now I found ya
I don’t know what to do
I think I’m fallin’ for you
I’m fallin’ for you
I think I’m fallin’ for you

I can’t stop thinking about it
I want you all around me
And now I just can’t hide it
I think I’m fallin’ for you (x2)

I’m fallin’ for you

Ooohhh
Oh no no
Oooooohhh
Oh I’m fallin’ for you.

[eop]

MUSIC: "On A High" by Duncan Sheik

2009-10-31T16:59:00.005-05:00

[I heard the intro of this song in the background of one of the episodes of Alias (Season 2), and I knew that I had to search it out. It's a self-affirming song with a powerful undercurrent. It was my happy find for the month. :)]

"On A High"
by Duncan SheikLINK to official music video, found on Clevver.com

Lyrics:

I'm on a high, on a high
nothing more to it.
we are the sea and the sky
and the blue that runs through it, yeah.

and there are some who say there are so many things I need
so I run or I fight and I crawl or I scream and I bleed
I bleed, I bleed

well, it's a lie, it's a lie
don't you believe it.
if you're fine then you're fine
it's all how you see it.
oh, there never will be no conspiracy of happiness.

I'm on a high, on a high
nothing more to it
I have the sun, it's a star
why should I refuse it?

and there are so many reasons I could give you why I should be down
there's not enough money or time and my love you're not around
around, around

but it's a lie, it's a lie
don't you believe it.
if you're fine, then you're fine
it's all how you see it.
oh, there never will be no conspiracy of happiness.

you're alive, you're alive
how else could you hear me?
you are fine, you are fine
there's nothing worth fearing
'cause there never will be no conspiracy of happiness

I'm on a high, on a high
we are the sea and the sky
I'm on a high, on a high
I'm on a high

it's a lie, it's a lie
don't you believe it
'Cause I've tried and I've tried
I can't really see it
yeah, I'm trapped inside my conspiracy of happiness.

said I was yours, you were mine
but I didn't really mean it
and I lied and I lied
and I wish you hadn't seen it
'cause I'm trapped inside my conspiracy of happiness

I'm on a high, on a high,
there's nothing more to it, yeah.

[eop]

DISNEY RACE: Twilight Zone's Tower of Terror 13K @1:15:53, DHS, FL

2009-10-25T02:48:00.023-05:00

[NOTE: This entry contains the SUSPECTS, CLUES, & REVEAL for the 2009 Twilight Zone's Tower of Terror 13K & 5K Race Mystery.

Click HERE for the STORY, RULES, & SUSPECTS]

Saturday, October 24, 2009
The Twilight Zone's Tower of Terror 13K race was so much fun!

The 13K race began at 10:30pm (the 5K started at 10:15pm), but I got there at 8:15pm just to look around for clues. I also wanted to get pictures of/with the suspects who were mingling amongst the crowd. I met a fellow suspect-enthusiast, and soon, my new friend Beth and I were running around taking turns taking our picture with them. They all looked so suspicious. Here's my set:

Me with Detective Willie Ketcham (left)
and Otto Von Bonn Bahn (right)

Me and Shelby Mayer

Me and Talullah Fruiti

Me and Roman Holiday

Me and Jack Diamond

Sandi (left, friend from the D23 Sip & Stroll) and Me with
Bucky GreenHorn (2nd from left) and Francis Floot (right)

Those were the only suspects we managed to round-up. Still on the lam were following: Minerva Lipwhistle, Ready Freddy Fiddlesticks, Paige Turner, Francis Floot, Honey Darline, and Vladimir Pooey.

There were some runners in costume. There was a some bunnies, a Goofy, Raggedy Ann and Andy, Harry Potter and Hermione, [Where's] Waldo, Richard Simmon's #1 Fan, a Semi-Pro, and a white guy in a tink costume.

I dressed up as "The Invisible Pedestrian"/"The Human Shadow", and Beth was dressed up as "Stinkerbell" (her friend's endearing name for her).

And we ran into even more suspicious characters like Sandi from last weekend's D23 event (shown above), and here with me and Beth:

and there was Cyndi, president of the Space Coast Runners:

and my neighbors Pat & Linda:

So much love and fun!
----------
Asides from the characters, there were other activities in the race staging area. For instance, there was a hotel register for everyone to sign:

And there was one guy passing out small hotel key magnets and another guy passing out Tower of Terror 13K tattoos. There were tables, spray bottles, and paper towels set up for the latter.

Plus, there was a DJ playing some music and making race announcements.

----------
Anyways, just my own record here, the race went well. I started with the 11:00-13:00 pacers, which was okay. The course was good though narrow at times in the sports complex. Running with a cape wasn't as easy as I'd imagine but I managed but was still fun. And I did meet my goal of sub 9:30-pace in order to make the press conference.

My stats:
Bib #2333
Chip 1:15:53 (9:23.6/mile)
Clock 1:18:06
Overall 741/3247 (22.8%)
Male 503/1385 (36.3%)
Age 66/166 (39.8%)

----------
But anyways, what you really care about are the CLUES right? Well, here they are... the first three were in the race staging area, the next five at Disney's Wide World of Sports, and the next three were back in Disney's Hollywood Studios. Enjoy!

And here's a race number with the suspects. Feel free to PRINT IT OUT and play along.

Clue #1: Hotel Register

"Eliminate the suspect who left their mark here."
(Lip print -> Minerva Lipwhistle)

Clue #2: Spira Tent

"We are raising the bar and providing great footwear for you! Now that's what you must do."
(Read the columns from bottom to top: ELIMINATEFRANCISFLOOTNOW -> Francis Floot)

Clue #3: Pre-Race Staging Area

"My Dearest Stone,

I know someone is looking
to take you out!
But it isn't me.

Sincerely,
XXHXOXNXEXY
XDXXAXRXLXXINXXG"
(Remove the X's -> Honey Darling)

Clue #4: Disney's Wide World of Sports Trail

"Listen For The Clue"

("e val di mure pwoo..." rotated syllables -> Vladimir Pooey)

Clue #5: On Track

Cheerleaders with cheerboards "FR","UI","TI" and Little Richard's "Tutti Frutti" playing in the background.

(Spells out suspect's name -> Talullah Fruiti)

Clue #6: Horse Generator in Parking Lot

Rebus Puzzle: Sea Shell, Honey Bee, Female Horse
("Shell" + "Bee" + "Mare" -> Shelby Mayer)

Clue #7: Musical Reindeer

Reindeer with Green Trumpets
(Green Horn -> Bucky Greenhorn)

Clue #8: World Drive

"Find the missing letter.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M

N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z"
(The 'X' is missing -> The Ex-Girlfriend [Paige Turner])

Clue #9: Hollywood Studios Backlot

"T _ E
C _ _ K
Just add Water."
(Water = H20, Add an 'H' and 2 'O's -> The Cook [Otto Von Bonn Bahn])

Clue #10: Hollywood Studios Buildings

Stilted Violinists
(Violin = Fiddle, Stilts = Sticks -> Ready Freddy Fiddlesticks)

Clue #11: The Hollywood Tower

Playing Card projected on the side of the building.
(Jack of Diamonds -> Jack Diamond)

So what does that mean? Who did it? To find out, check out the video of Detective Willie Ketcham's Press Conference at the Sorcerer's Hat:

----------
The Twilight Zone's Tower of Terror 13K was SO much fun, and I wish Disney had kept the race. But I'm glad that it had such a lively, spectacular send off. And I look forward to next year's Wine & Dine Nighttime Half-Marathon, which should be an interesting race for runners and challenge for the coordinators.

Anyways, thank you so much Disney Endurance Sports for a great event!
----------
[NOTE: Click HERE for the STORY, RULES, & SUSPECTS]
[eop]

JOURNAL/RUN: Tower of Terror 13K Eve

2009-10-23T23:11:00.011-05:00

[NOTE: This entry contains the STORY, RULES, & SUSPECTS for the 2009 Twilight Zone's Tower of Terror 13K & 5K Race Mystery.

Click HERE for the SUSPECTS, CLUES, & REVEAL]

It's a little past midnight, and I've just run 2.97 miles (Home <-LL-> WM+Stores [CCW]) in about 23 minutes. And to think, I'll be running this same time tomorrow night, but an extra 5 miles and wearing tights and a cape. Tomorrow night is The Twilight Zone's Tower of Terror 13K at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and it's a good excuse for wearing a costume. No, I'm not going dressed up as Superman. I'm going to be "The Human Shadow" -- I'm wearing all in black... black shoes, black socks, black tights, black shorts, black underwear, black shirt, black gloves, and a long black cape. I'm just a little paranoid about somehow getting disqualified.

Anyways, this is the third and last year that Disney's holding the Tower of Terror race [-- to make room more new exciting events]. The first year, there were people dressed like escaped insane asylum inmates roaming the Wide World of Sports Complex (funny) and some wicked awesome Oreo brownies at the finish. Last year, I think there may have been one place along the course where you could have a photo op with some villains (kinda lame) but we saw a guy dressed up like a Spartan (yay!). But this year, the race has a pretty involved and quite interesting story attached...

In an email leading up to the race, we were introduced to Stone Granite, movie star extraordinaire, who personally invited us to The Hollywood Tower Hotel's All Hallows Eve Celebrity Bash. Then in subsequent correspondence, the plot thickens and the mystery trap is set. See for yourself.

----------
October 6, 2009

The Hollywood Tower Hotel is pleased to announce our annual All Hallows Eve Celebrity Bash!

On Saturday, October 24, you will have a chance to see and be seen by anyone who's anyone in Hollywood! This year's spectacular soiree will be hosted by none other than the matinee idol, the debonair and mysterious Stone Granite - it's the one occasion you can't miss! Here is your personal invite from Stone himself! -

"Hello my admirers, I Stone Granite, movie star extraordinaire - enamored by women, envied by men - am offering you an exclusive invitation to THE party of the year! Don't disappoint!"

So drop everything and come to the Hollywood Tower Hotel for this once in a lifetime experience!

Sincerely,

Rob Sterling
General Manager
Hollywood Tower Hotel

----------
October 12, 2009

Reporter Bert Menken here with a late-breaking story ---

The Hollywood Tower's "All Hallows Eve Celebrity Bash" is quickly becoming the party of the century! Stars, would be stars, and has been stars are planning on having a flat-out good time!

Stone Granite (one of the biggest names in Hollywood!), his famous agent Jack Diamond, would be star Ready Freddie Fiddlesticks, and has been stars Talullah Fruiti and Roman Holiday are among the names attending! This is something you've got to get with, kid! It's gonna be a doozer! Even the mayor of Hollywood himself, Shelby Mayer, has counted himself to be among the lucky ones invited to the gala.

You don't want to miss out - October 24 is right around the corner - I'll see you there!

Bert Menken
News Reporter
Hollywood Tower Hotel

----------
October 19, 2009

From the offices of Detective Willie Ketcham, HPD -

This just in!!!

Stone Granite, host of this year's Hollywood Tower Hotel "All Hallows Eve Celebrity Bash," has gone missing!! Missing I say!

It is feared that he was kidnapped during his morning run. I need EVERYONE to make tracks and assist with this investigation. You will all be summarily deputized when you arrive at the Hollywood Tower Hotel.

You will retrace the suspected route of Stone Granite's morning run. I am convinced that there are clues out there that will reveal the true identity of the kidnapper.

I've narrowed the suspect list down to 12. Help me put the finger on the perpetrator! This is how it works....

MYSTERY TOUR EXPLAINED
Download the list of suspects and mystery tour rules. (information below)
----------
TOWER OF TERROR 13K & 5K MYSTERY TOUR GUIDELINES
The mystery tour is for your entertainment throughout the event and along the 13K and 5K course. You are not required to participate in the mystery tour and the mystery tour will not affect your race results or eligibility for awards. Mystery tour results will not be scored and no prizes or awards will be given.

On the other side of this page, there is a list of 12 suspects in the Stone Granite kidnapping case.
As you retrace the steps of Stone Granite’s morning run you will be given clues to help you eliminate the suspects.
Clues will relate to the name of the suspect or the suspect’s “occupation.” Clues will not refer to a suspect’s motive.
Clues may be visual or audio.
Clues will be positioned in the pre‐race “Check‐In” area and throughout the 5K and 13K course.
The clues regarding the potential guilty parties will be indicated by a light marked “Clue.”
If you see a clue that relates to a suspect, then that suspect can be eliminated.
The names of the suspects will be on your race bib. As you eliminate a suspect, just punch out the name.
Remember, if a clue leads to a suspect, that individual is to be eliminated from suspicion in the Stone Granite case.
The last remaining person, the one not seen or alluded to during the event, is the guilty party.

The answer to the mystery will be unveiled at Detective Willie Ketcham’s Midnight Press Conference and Award Ceremony!
----------
SUSPECT LIST
This is the list of suspects that Detective Willie Ketcham and his sidekick Officer Percival Peabody have narrowed the investigation down to. Unfortunately, every suspect has his or her motivations to kidnap Stone Granite ...

Jack Diamond, Stone’s Agent
Possible motive: Rumored to owe Stone large sum of money from a gambling debt

Honey Darling, Rising Star
Possible motive: In love with Stone but her love is unrequited

Talullah Fruiti, Has been star
Possible motive: Rumored Stone was going to reveal her true age to the press

Minerva Lipwhistle, Faded Star
Possible motive: Stone stepped in her handprints in front of the Chinese Theatre before the cement was set

Shelby Mayer, Mayor of Hollywood
Possible motive: Former Stone agent, was fired by Stone

Francis Floot, Best boy on Stone’s last movie
Possible motive: Supposedly snubbed by Stone at cast party

Roman Holiday, Former matinee idol
Possible motive: Set to star in new big film that would put him back on top until Stone took the role from him; rumored to have made the producer an offer he could not refuse.

Vladimir Pooey, Foreign director
Possible motive: Stone turned down leading role in his only film, a flop

Paige Turner, EX‐girlfriend and Script girl
Possible motive: Dumped by Stone in a humiliating public scene

Ready Freddy Fiddlesticks, Would be star
Possible motive: In love with Paige Turner, is said to want to avenge her broken heart.

Otto Von Bonn Bahn, The cook at the hotel
Possible motive: Stone hates his Weiner Schnitzel, complains loudly to food critics about it and threw it against the wall the last time he had it.

Bucky Greenhorn, Stone’s chauffer
Possible motive: Granite never tips him

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Cedric (aka, "The Human Shadow" / "The Invisible Pedestrian"): This should be fun! I'm going to try to run with camera and take pictures/video of the clues... we'll see how many I actually get. Also, with the race starting at 10:30pm, it may actually be a challenge to even make it to Detective Willie Ketcham's Press Conference at 12:00am. I will have to maintain a sub-10:30/mile pace while wearing cape and toting camera to have enough time to make it down Sunset after the race to the Sorcerer's Hat. Wish me luck!

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[NOTE: Click HERE for the SUSPECTS, CLUES, & REVEAL]

[eop]

JOURNAL: The GreenBox (Pizza Box)

2009-10-22T11:43:00.004-05:00

This is really cool. I want to design stuff like this!

'Green Box' Product Promo (Pizza Box) from Green Box on Vimeo.

[eop]

RUN: 2.00 miles @??:??, Home<-LL->WM (TheraFlu), Melbourne, FL

2009-10-20T21:31:00.003-05:00

Tonight, I made another literal run to Wal-Mart -- this time for some TheraFlu and some ear buds. Honestly, my throat started killing me once I headed home from work. As for the ear buds, I'd just misplaced all of the ones I have. Usually, ear buds run for $10, but there were two that happened to be marked down to $5... good timing I suppose. As for the TheraFlu, I brought a coupon.

The weather was nice. Not as chilly at this weekend, but nice and calm. I intended on running to the Avenue light and back but decided just to head home. 2 miles is good enough for today. I ran 2 miles yesterday at the Merritt Island ProHealth HealthPlex last night after the SCR board meeting.

Anyways, today at work, Fischer was in the office with me and my officemate Kendal when another coworker came in and started throwing bubble gum at us. He hit Kendal directly in the eyeglass lens -- if she was wearing contacts today, she would've had a serious eye injury. But that's not the end. He proceeded to aim for Fischer and my faces.

Fischer then went off on him -- not only for hitting Kendal, but for the overall childish behavior this other coworker was exhibiting -- and forcefully told him to get out of the office... which was something he of course didn't do... seriously, what a d**chebag (and Fischer called him that to his face).

I was pretty calm about it before, but in retrospect, I'm pretty angry about it. That type of behavior (which includes the persistence) should not be tolerated. Perhaps my complaining here comes as part of my procrastination of preparing for tomorrow's speech. But seriously, the guy was a total d**che.

Anyways, I took a TheraFlu packet in some hot water, and my throat's still not feeling right. I'm going to take a long hot shower then get back on this speech.

I'll post pictures from the run later on.

[reserved for running pics]

[eop]

VIDEO: "The Spartans" from SNL (Gerard Butler)

2009-10-20T21:28:00.002-05:00

"No strategic value... just wanted to get my hands on you."

TOASTMASTERS: Division B Fall Contests

2009-10-17T14:24:00.011-05:00

This morning, the Fall Contests for Toastmasters District 84 Division B were held at the Holiday Inn Conference Center, which was fantastic for me (so close). Anyways, everything ran smoothly, and we came out with our two winners.

For this event, I had both my point-and-shoot Canon PowerShot A710 (7.1 megapixel, 6x optical) camera, and a Nikon D80 (10.2 megapixel, 18-135mm lens) that my friends let me borrow.

The theme was "Fantasy". I saw a princess, a witch, a gypsy, a ship captain, a ladybug, Darth Vader, a Shriner, and a flapper.

Thai, Lady, Vader
Princess & Captain
Shrine On!
Witchy Woman &
Not an Abu Ghraib costume
Then there was me... in khakis and a white button-up... to which I just asked the other guests (using my best Puss-in-Boots voice) "Is this not your fantasy?".

Anyways, for the contest, I was a timer along with Gloria. She's such an extrovert, and it's refreshing from time to time not to worry about whether or not I'll have fun -- we always have a good time with it.

Before I get into the contesting, let me post pics of the food and get that out of the way.

The salad was tasty, as was the beef dish
(and I love pine nuts in my rice pilaf).
Then Gloria and I shared our desserts.
All was delicious! Okay, now for the contests...

First up: The Evaluation Contest.

New-to-District 84 (D84) John Sanderson was the test speaker, whose "My Life Reset" gave the audience some perspective on life changes, which he mentioned, are often prompted either by inspiration or desperation. Lisa R., from my area, Area 22, came out with the win, with Sylvia N. (also from our area but representing a different area) came in second.

Next was the Humorous Speech Contest.

There were five contestants, starting with Vladimir N. from Area 22 talking about street racing with friends and a car without brakes. Next, Bill B. gave an account of Navy boot camp, then Dan Brown discussed the differences between men and women (it's in their genes). Amy S. spoke and demonstrated the dedication of some fathers from the animal kingdom, and Fonnie B. shared some lessons she learned from her pet fish.

Amy and her Jack Hanna/Discover Channel speech are moving on to represent Division B at the District Conference in a couple weeks. Fonnie took second and Dan Brown third.

Overall, I was pleased with and agreed with the results. Congratulations and good luck to the winners.

As with many Toastmasters contests, there were raffles and a 50/50. I purchased 25 raffle tickets and went in with Gloria for another 25 50/50 tickets (the pot was about $117).

But before any of tickets were drawn, our Division B Governor Dee M. told the audience about something she saw done and wanted to do -- which was to give a gift to the person who was first to register for the event. And that was... ME! (woo!).

Upon arriving at the contest, Gloria brought me to the raffle prize table and asked which prize I liked the most -- telling me that if she won it, she'd give it to me. I had asked her the same question, and she said that she'd want the decorative candle set. Unbeknownst to me, I was being set up, and I got the prize that I wanted.

Is this not your fantasy?
In the actual raffle, I won a Yankee Candle, and I was able to return the favor to Gloria -- last year, she won the Toastmasters tote bag that I wanted and selflessly gave it to me. Anyways... we didn't win the 50/50 but we both went home with a prize and had a good time.

As for the camera-ing, I primarily used the Nikon because of its speed. It was a little bulky and intimidating, but it was good practice. Most of the picture did turn out darker than I expected, which was a disappointment, and for now, I think that I'm going to continue with my point-and-shoot.

UPDATE: again, we didn't win the 50/50 raffle, but I enjoyed drawing animals on the back of the tickets...

I love my Pilot VBall pens!

[eop]

MUSIC: "Us" by Regina Spektor

2009-10-14T21:23:00.008-05:00

This song is from (500) Days of Summer, a film starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel about the life of a relationship. It has a playful, independent feeling that I find refreshing, like finding a shiny quarter laying on the ground, waiting for me to pick it up.

"Us"
by Regina Spektor

[LINK to YOUTUBE video]

Lyrics: They made a statue of us And put it on a mountain top Now tourists come and stare at us Blow bubbles with their gum Take photographs for fun, for fun They'll name a city after us And later say it's all our fault Then they'll give us a talking to Then they'll give us a talking to Because they've got years of experience We're living in a den of thieves Rummaging for answers in the pages We're living in a den of thieves And it's contagious And it's contagious And it's contagious And it's contagious We wear our scarves just like a noose But not 'cause we want eternal sleep And though our parts are slightly used New ones are slave labor you can keep We're living in a den of thieves Rummaging for answers in the pages We're living in a den of thieves And it's contagious And it's contagious And it's contagious And it's contagious They made a statue of us They made a statue of us The tourists come and stare at us The sculptor's mama sends regards They made a statue of us They made a statue of us Our noses have begun to rust We're living in a den of thieves Rummaging for answers in the pages We're living in a den of thieves And it's contagious And it's contagious And it's contagious And it's contagious
[eop]

RUN: 2.32 miles @??:??, Home<-LL->WM, Melbourne, FL

2009-10-14T21:17:00.004-05:00

Yes, tonight I ran on my own for the first time in probably over a month -- I had two [Disney] races since then, and yes, I am very far behind in postings and will [hopefully] eventually have time to write those up soon.

Anyways, I ran in the rain after getting home from volleyball -- no happy hour tonight. Volleyball really kinda sucked. Most of the regulars were there (no Cara or Vivi), which was nice, plus HB wasn't there to tantrumize, but DB/ED and SG were there acting stupid. And SP, who I previously thought well of, was making peacock noises all evening like a jerkette. Seriously. I had to tell her that that kind of behavior was dick-ish.

Side note: Monday at work, I [quite-loudly] called someone a jackass and an a##h### -- because he comes into my office and provokes me and my officemate with political stuff. He's known as the "Mini Rush Limbaugh" and as disturbing as that already sounds, he does have a radio platform to spout unsubstantiated statistics (total bs). Anyways, I wasn't going to any of his crap, so I told him off. I probably could've had to handled it... differently... but meh.

Yeah, it's been one of those weeks so far but I've also managed to be more productive nonetheless, so it kinda balances out.

Getting back... it's been a couple weeks since I've played, and I was on-and-off. The team of regulars rocked the rotational play. Also, I've been finding myself a bit distracted on the court. Susan knows. And I have mixed feelings about it all. Oh well. I realize that I don't need the extra drama.

Anyways, I'm making a lot of progress on my project at work. Most of the coding is done, and I'm transitioning onto testing, which is a drag but necessary -- time to get refreshed on operations. I'm glad that I'm able to stay busy at the office, but the thing is, there's a lot of project at home for me to do too. That said, I'm going to end this post here and give you a couple sweaty ceddy pics (did you miss them?):

don't make me angry
ran to walmart for cooking spray
more people need to see the bottom of my foot
[eop]

JOURNAL: The Plan

2009-10-04T08:30:00.000-05:00

Today, I'm heading back to Orlando, back to Epcot's Food & Wine Festival, where I'll be attending three -- count them three -- culinary demonstrations:

1:00pm-2:00pm Chef Bob Waggoner, Charleston Grill, Charleston, SC

2:45pm-3:45pm Chef Pascal Oudin, Pascal's on Ponce, Coral Gables, FL

4:30pm-5:30pm Chef Dominique Macquet, Le Crepe Nanou, New Orleans, LA

Then on Monday, I'm heading out-of-state for work, getting back on Wednesday -- short trip. It should be good, and I'm looking forward to the change of environment.

[eop]

DISNEY: AllEars.Net Article #4 "Annual Passholder Preview of Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure"

2009-10-04T07:56:00.005-05:00

My fourth article for the AllEars.Net website went live this morning! I had written a trip report of last weekend's WDW Passholder Preview for the upcoming Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure movie. Here's a link:

AllEars.Net "Annual Passholder Preview of Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure"

I really appreciate about the opportunity to contribute to a website that I not only love but respect. And next up for me, I'll be covering the D23 Sip & Stroll event taking place on October 18th at Epcot.

Woo! :)

[eop]

TOASTMASTERS: Area 22 Fall Contests

2009-10-03T21:03:00.000-05:00

This afternoon, Toastmasters Area 22 (of District 84, Division B) held its Evaluation and for Humorous Speech Contests at Picadilly's Restaurant at the Melbourne Square Mall.

From the Harris SpeakEZ were Michael C. competing in the Humorous Speech contest, Christopher F. in the Evaluation contest, and Tina O. also competing in the Evaluation contest but representing the Advance Communicators Club.

Christopher and Tina were are smiles
Michael and... (well, the picture will make sense later)

Debra S. was the test speaker for the Evaluation contest and talked about her "Btzzz" moments... a.k.a., senior/blonde moments or moments of less-than-optimal grace. All five evaluators did a good job, but it was Lisa R. that came out on top. Christopher did come away with 3rd place.

During the break between contests, Pim L. performed a traditional Thai dance:

Then for the Humorous Speech contest, Michael was the first speaker, talking about his experience "Driving with Trevor". Although he didn't place, Michael did an outstanding outstanding job and really did our club proud. Vladimir N. also had a great story, "Holding Hands with a Backseat", and took home first place.

Both of today's top contest winners will represent our Area at the Division level in a couple weeks, and I know that they're both going to do well.

That said, Michael didn't go home empty-handed -- he cleaned up during the door-prize raffle. He had four winning tickets! (see picture above)

I also didn't leave the contest empty-handed. I won one of the raffle prizes: a set of four glasses with a pitcher. Now only if I had three friends who would be willing to trek up to Viera to visit me... dah.

Before the drawing, I did get some cute photos of the raffle helpers modeling with some of the raffle prizes:

Anyways, Toastmasters was a nice way to spend a free Saturday. Now, I have to go prepare for the next few days... more Food & Wine Festival at Epcot tomorrow, then a few days away on business -- sopapillas, here I come!. Woo!

MUSIC: "The Lining Is Silver" and "Up And Up [acoustic]" by Relient K

2009-10-03T19:23:00.003-05:00

This week, I had visited the public library to check out some CDs to help me get through the hours at the office -- I use the music to drown out the distractions -- and I just happened to pick up The Bird And The Bee Sides by Relient K. I think I mistook it for some other album but it turned out to be a great find -- it reminds me of SR-71 except gentle of Ben Lee and with more creative range. But my first thought was how my little sister would like some of their music.

"The Lining Is Silver"
by Relient K

Lyrics:

I found my new black shoes
While cleaning out the bones left in my closet
They were there with the bad excuse
Bon Voyage

And I found a back up plan
I'm grateful that I didn't have to use it
But it's made of real good friends
Bon Voyage

Isn't it nice to know
That the lining is silver
Isn't it nice to know
That we're golden

Well I found a list of flaw
That I saw in myself and other people
And I threw it away because
Bon Voyage

Isn't it nice to know
That the lining is silver
Isn't it nice to know
That we're golden
Yeah we're golden
Oh

When it all falls apart and you can't see
The forest for the cemeteries
Isn't it nice to know
Isn't it nice to know

Isn't it nice to know
That the lining is silver
Isn't it nice to know
That we're golden
Oh

Isn't it nice to know
That the lining is silver
Isn't it nice to know
That we're golden
Yeah we're golden oh

I found a love in me
I always somehow knew that it existed
It just needed to be set free
Bon Voyage

Isn't it nice to know [3x]

-----
"Up And Up [acoustic]"
by Relient K
[note: sorry, really couldn't find a good source for the entire song]

Lyrics:

Yesterday is not quite what it could have been
As were most of all the days before.
But I swear today, with every breath I'm breathin' in
I'll be trying to make it so much more.

Cause it seems I get so hung up on
the history of what's gone wrong
That the hope of a new day is sometimes hard to see.
But I'm finally catching on to it.
Yeah, the past is just a conduit
and the life there at the end is where I'll be.

Chorus:
Cause I'm on the up and up.
I'm on the up and up.
I haven't given up,
given up on what
I know I'm capable of.
I'm on the up and up.
And now there's nothing left to prove.
Cause I'm just trying to be a better version of me for you
A better version of me for you.

Now I have all that I could ever need:
the confidence of knowing there's still time.
Time to make amends, and try to build a better me.
And to take the right steps as this road unwinds.

You see, I'm finally catching on to it.
The past is just a conduit
and the life there at the end is where I'll be.

Chorus

Never cease to supply me with what I need for a good life,
so when I'm down I'll hold my head up high
cause you're the reason why, you are...

I'm on the up and up.
I'm on the up and up.
And I haven't given up,
given up on what I know I'm capable of.
Yeah I'm on the up and up,
now there's nothing left to prove
Cause I'm just trying to be a better version of me for you
I'm just trying to be a better version of me for you.
I'm just trying to be a better version of me for you.

GYM: Just Volleyball

2009-09-30T21:12:00.006-05:00

I'm in "forever catch-up" mode... keep having ideas for things to write about and not enough time to get myself settled enough to put the words down.

Anyways, this post is just to record this week's volleyball-ing.

Monday (9.30.09): after work, I helped out at a Toastmasters contest and was a bit late in getting to the gym (8:30pm). There were about 20 people there, and this did not include the annoying kids from last week, and all was calm for the most part.

The Regulars already had a team together, and I joined up with an all-girl squad. There was nothing too memorable of the evening except for the time one of the new girls on my team scolded me for "being in her space" (seriously?). I didn't rush to react, and I later got a "nice job handling that" from another girl on the team... apparently the other girl is notoriously... um... not un-crazy.

Whatever. Afterwards, the Regulars went to Uno's for happy hour and snacks, and it was really fun. They are a great group of active and conscious people. Here are a few pictures from:

LJ helping Vivi ride the two-wheeled skateboard
Kirk with a couple orders of Uno's Pizza Skins
Greg and his hangover-inducing non-alcoholic Lemonade
My order of Buffalo Wings
It was a long but good day.

Wednesday (9.30.09): I quickly mowed my lawn after work then headed to the gym nearly on time. Walking down the hallway to the court, I saw the really annoying kid from last week and the scoldy, screamy girl from Monday. We had another 18 people there, so three teams in rotation. Having gotten there early enough, I managed to get in with the Regulars. And once we started, we pretty much dominated the evening, winning every one of the games. Of the other two teams, one was calm, and the other was dominated by a lot of donkeys.

With half-an-hour left, the numbers was down to fourteen, and Susan suggested that we stop playing for points and have the two extra players just rotate in. Screamy girl objected. I couldn't contain myself -- I was calmly but assertively sassy bitch on her. The behavior of her and a couple other annoying kids on that team drove some of the remaining people away.

Eventually Screamy girl left (whew!) and the other two annoying kids (sorry, no nicknames for them yet) were gone. There were eight people left, and we just played 4-on-4 and had a very nice time. Ruffled from this evening's superfluous noise and being the busy people that we were, we didn't got out to Uno's afterwards. I think that everyone just needed a night off.

My game play was s'alright tonight... a couple missed serves, but otherwise had gotten on a few really strong runs for points on serve.

[eom]

TOASTMASTERS: "Hope"

2009-09-30T18:31:00.006-05:00

Today is Wednesday, so that means Toastmasters, and at today's meeting, I gave a prepared speech from the Advanced Communicator Interpretive Reading Manual -- Project #1: Read a Story -- the purpose of which was "to present a narrative using vocal techniques that help the audience to understand and enjoy the selection". Basically, I was to select a story and read it to the audience with a focus on vocal variety.

When I was called to the podium, I began with an introduction to the project -- how decide on the story was part of the challenge. I told them how I initially wanted to read from A. A. Milne's Winnie The Pooh, but all of the stories were too long; then I wanted to read The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, but the story was too short and also too familiar; and then I wanted to read a chapter from the first book of A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket -- good size and obscure enough but would've required a lot of background.

I told them that after all this, waiting for me in my mailbox Monday evening, was a letter, one that I'm sure many of them received and one that I would have otherwise thrown away. I told them that the letter was just perfect for this project, and how "the author wasn't important and that the purpose of the letter will quickly be clear." And then I began (clicking the images below opens the image [larger] in a new tab):

I read the letter softly and steadily, with carefully placed pauses and looking up after each sentence or two. And when I reached the end of the letter, I just motioned to the Toastmaster of the Day and took my seat.

I felt good about the speech. I could've worked more on the introduction, but I liked having that parcel of spontaneous speaking there to balance me reading from a piece of paper.

In his evaluation of my speech Christopher said that he thought I made a really good choice of story and that I did a good job accentuating the two climaxes with a subtle change of tone (not louder, but deeper). His suggestion for improvement was for me to let myself go more, to allow myself to show more emotion; he did point out that my speaking in more of a "narrative" voice for those delicate segments could've also been a conscious decision. And Christopher also approved of my decision not to "wrap" the story with comments.

As General Evaluator, Kathy recognized my growth as a public speaker -- how I'm speaking more confidently compared to months before. I would say that it comes from experience and preparation, though I really didn't have to prepare so much for this project; I was lucky to come across that letter. Still, I did put in a lot of work looking into the other story candidates, and perhaps just knowing that I put in the effort provided the confidence and street-cred I needed to show well.

It was a good meeting -- encouraging -- and I look forward to working on my next project... being a part of Christopher's Panel Speech in 3 weeks.

[eom]

DISNEY: Anaheim - Day 5 (9.06.09) - Newport Beach

2009-09-25T11:49:00.008-05:00

[I am going to get caught up...]

Twelve days in Anaheim, and I'm going to start here, on Day 5, because it has my favorite picture of the entire trip.

(I'll explain the picture later on below...)

Anyways, the Disneyland Half-Marathon was on Day 5: Sunday, September 6, 2009. The weather was perfect - overcast and cool - and both Cindy and I got DLHM PRs. We were just running for fun, not for time, but still it's nice to know that we're not losing anything.

The pictures from the race that we took with disposables came out dark for the most part (too bad), so there's not so much evidence from that morning. Afterwards, we went to Newport Beach to escape the crowds.

Personally, I think that I'd rather've spent the time in the park anyway... I typically want to stay near a comfortable place after a long race (especially one that I didn't really train for). Also, I didn't think "a day at the beach" literally meant "a day at the beach"... I need to feel like I was doing something.

The day ended up being transformative... and for me, marked the end of the first half of my time in Anaheim.

The picture that opened this post was one that I took while trekking down the pathway that runs parallel to the beach. It goes off into the distance but it evolves to different characters. When I took the picture, the view had grown patches of lawn; it was across from an elementary school (yes, that is along the beach -- how cool is that), and it was nice to feel like I wasn't the only odd character there.

Below are six more pictures from Day 5:

For this Labor Day weekend, the sun was out, the waves were nice, and there was a good-sized crowd at the beach.

There's a restaurant at the end of the pier, and from there, its windows framed the recreational day.

There was a mix of people out. And the pier hosted quite a number of both amateur and seasoned fishermen.

Instead of just laying on the beach, I walked the pedestrian pathway southwards for about a mile-and-a-quarter. It was a nice mini-venture.

During this walk, I treated myself to a frozen pineapple bar and took in the change of scenery. And it was about this time that I took the picture of the couple on the lawn.

Back towards the settlement, I had climbed upon a collection of rocks and found a place to sit and watch the waves crash.

Overall, the trip to Newport Beach was fine, but I think that I would've preferred something more active and a scenario where I wasn't playing "kid hostage" (a lesson I have to revisit).

[eom]

JOURNAL: Still trying to get back into the habit.

2009-09-22T21:11:00.004-05:00

It'll take some time to get back in the habit of posting. The mass of photos is intimidating and life's forever busy. Anyways, I did want to mention some random mentions:

yeah, I didn't go to either one of last Saturday's Area Contests for Toastmasters. I slept in and then focused on planning a multi-stop shopping-with-coupons excursion; and it was successful.

in procrastinating the speech I should I had to do for this Wednesday, I did manage to setup my computer's backup. I don't think that it's working but the sentiment and effort was there. Also, my car got a couple new tramp stamps... an SCR decal and I replaced my Clemson license plate frame with a "Love the Land" (i.e., Disneyland) frame.

last Friday, I rearranged my desk and bookshelves at the office so that it doesn't face the hallway. I figured that it'd be less distracting, I'd have better access to my whiteboard, and I just needed a change. So far, so good.

volleyball was okay last night. I did too many cat-jumps for the ball (where the ball was too high for me to should've tried). there were some serious donkeys on the court heckling (seriously?). happy hour with the regulars afterwards was a lot of fun. once I got home, I passed out on the couch while watching a S2 ep of Mad Men.

catching back up on S2 of Mad Men this evening, I'm definitely intrigued with Salvador, then I realize that that character's wife, Kitty, is played by Bianca from Wonderfalls (ep. Karma Chameleon); that actress is great!

the sign-up sheet for this week's Toastmasters meeting was sparse, so I sent out an email with a challenge with homemade rice crispy treats as the ~~bribe~~ reward. It worked. I'll still be pulling double-duty but food has a way of keeping things light.

Alright, this is enough for now. I have a bill to pay and a letter to finish and send out before bed. G'night.

:)

[eom]

CUTE: Commercial for the NY Lottery

2009-09-21T22:47:00.002-05:00

[eom]

JOURNAL: Saturday

2009-09-19T20:22:00.004-05:00

I should've gone for a run today. I think that, even after 8hrs, I woke up sleepy. I ended up skipping out on both TM area contests -- choosing instead to stay home, watch many episodes of Mad Men (now in Season 2), going to a massive errand run (shopping with coupons upon coupons), and cleaning up around the house.

I'm still anxious about the past month and the task of "catching up". I'm likely to say that most of that won't ever happen, but I think that I just a free free weekend and enough sleep. Tomorrow's a free day, and I'm torn between applying the hours to the office or the parks.

We'll see.
[eom]

JOURNAL: Oh, Hai.

2009-09-18T22:35:00.002-05:00

Monday night, I got back from two weeks in Anaheim. It was a wonderful visit -- 7 days at Disneyland and a full 4 days of the D23 Expo. And the weekend before California, I went up to South Carolina for my 10-year high school reunion. So I have a lot of catching up to do.

This week, I've just been trying to get readjusted to my "Florida lifestyle" but always with thoughts and intentions to streamline my life -- a forever work-in-progress.

Tomorrow (Saturday), there's a couple TM Area contests, but I am thinking about staying at home to get leveled -- sleep and general house chores. I'm not exactly how I'm going to roll out the photos from the past month, so we'll all just have to wait and see.

It's going to be a busy next few months, and I'm figuring that as long as I stay the course and keep myself motivated, it'll all work out in the end. Optimistic fluff? Perhaps, but I want to stay afloat.

Keep an eye out for pictures in non-sequential bites.

:)
[eom]

JOURNAL: See You In Two Weeks!

2009-09-01T23:02:00.000-05:00

I'm about to head over to the West Coast for the Disneyland Half-Marathon and D23 Convention. Being sans laptop, this blog will be quiet for the two weeks. In the meantimes, please feel free to peruse the three years of posts in this blog. Leave comments, make links to,... whatever you like. I'll see you in two weeks!

:)

[eop]

MUSIC: "Everything Is Gonna Be Okay" by Brittani Taylor and "Party In The U.S.A." by Miley Cyrus

2009-09-01T21:16:00.007-05:00

[I was going to post Miley Cyrus' "Party in the U.S.A" but figured that it'd be taken down as soon as I post it. Instead, here's a cover of the song, in the style of a PSA. It's very PSA-y, but well-done nonetheless.]

"Everything is Gonna Be Okay"
by Brittani Taylor
cover of Miley Cyrus' "Party in the USA"
...(click HERE for the lyrics)

Lyrics:

I watched my dad walk out the door,
Shattering my world behind,
I knew Id never see him again,
And it hurt so much inside,
Yelled at the sky,
Why is it this way?
look at myself I just cant get straight,
My life is so hazy,
I even lost my baby,
My soul is yearning and I just need to change,
Too many chances and I blew it,
So hungry and I have no one,
And I just keep hanging on,
And I just keep hanging on,
And I just keep hanging on,

[CHORUS]
Never gonna give up,
I live my life,
Feel better each and every day,
I'm not gonna quit so there
Sick of this Shhht so there
Never gonna give up,
I live my life,
Feel better each and every day,
yea,
Everything's gonna be okay,
yea,
Everything's gonna be okay

In my tub I just want to end,
All I really feel is pain,
My life is crap I got nothing to lose,
And everything to gain,
So alone no one even sees me,
No job to free the debts I achieved,
Just feel like I'm losing,
My heart just keeps on bruising,
My futures blurring and I gotta think quickly,
Why now he doesnt deserve this,
I'm gonna go crazy soon,
And I just keep hanging on,
Please keep hanging on,
Please keep hanging on,

CHORUS

Even if u wanna cry,
Gonna be better just take the ride,
Something tells me youll be fine,
The strength inside you is gonna shine!

CHORUS x2

-----
[UPDATE: Oh, what the heck... It's probably going to get taken down soon, but anyways... below is Miley Cyrus' "Party in the U.S.A".]

"Party in the U.S.A."
by Miley Cyrus
...(click HERE for the lyrics)

Lyrics:

I hopped off the plane at LAX with a a dream and a cardigan
Welcome to the land of fame excess am i gonna fit in
Jumped in the cab, here I am for the first time
Look to my right and I see the Hollywood sign
This is all so crazy, everybody seems so famous
My tummys turnin and Im feelin kinda homesick
Too much pressure and Im nervous
Thats when the taxi man turned on the radio
And the Jay-Z song was on
And the Jay-Z song was on
And the Jay-Z song was on

So I put my hands up, theyre playin my song
The butterflies fly away, Im noddin my head like Yeah!
Movin my hips like Yeah!
Got my hands up, theyre playin my song
They know Im gonna be okay
Yeah! It's a party in the USA!
Yeah! It's a party in the USA!

Get to the club in my taxi cab, everybodys lookin at me now
Like Whos that chick thats rockin kicks, shes gotta be from outta town
So hard with my girls not around me
Its definitely not a Nashville party cause all I see is stilettos
I guess I never got the memo

My tummys turnin and Im feelin kinda homesick
Too much pressure and Im nervous
Thats when the DJ dropped my favorite tune
And the Britney song was on
And the Britney song was on
And the Britney song was on

So I put my hands up, theyre playin my song
The butterflies fly away, Im noddin my head like Yeah!
Movin my hips like Yeah!
Got my hands up, theyre playin my song
They know Im gonna be okay
Yeah! It's a party in the USA!
Yeah! It's a party in the USA!

Feel like hoppin on a flight (on a flight)
Back to my hometown tonight (town tonight)
Something stops me everytime (everytime)
The DJ plays my song and I feel alright

So I put my hands up, theyre playin my song
The butterflies fly away, Im noddin my head like Yeah!
Movin my hips like Yeah!
Got my hands up, theyre playin my song
They know Im gonna be okay
Yeah! It's a party in the USA!
Yeah! It's a party in the USA!

So I put my hands up, theyre playin my song
The butterflies fly away, Im noddin my head like Yeah!
Movin my hips like Yeah!
Got my hands up, theyre playin my song
They know Im gonna be okay
Yeah! It's a party in the USA!
Yeah! It's a party in the USA!

MUSIC: "Lazy Eye" by Silversun Pickups

2009-09-01T20:54:00.003-05:00

[another song from Guitar Hero]

"Lazy Eye"
by Silversun Pickups

...(click THIS to see the lyrics)

Lyrics:

I've been waiting
I've been waiting for this moment all my life
But it's not quite right

And this 'real'
It's impossible if possible
At who's blind word
So clear but so unheard

I've been waiting
I've been waiting for this silence all night long
It's just a matter of time

To appear sad
With the same 'ol decent lazy eye
Fixed to rest on you
Aim free and so untrue

Everyone's so intimately rearranged
Everyone can focus clearly with such shine

Everyone's so intimately rearranged
Everyone can focus clearly with such shine

Lost and loaded
Still the same 'ol decent lazy eye
Straight through your gaze
That's why i said i relate
I said we relate
It's so fun to relate

It's the room the sun and the sky
It's the room the sun and the sky

I've been waiting
I've been waiting for this moment...

GAY: "Ben & Jerry's goes Hubby Hubby for Vermont weddings"

2009-09-01T20:38:00.007-05:00

As of midnight this morning, same-sex couples are able to get married in Vermont! And to commemorate the occasion, the Vermont-based Ben & Jerry's has renamed their "Chubby Hubby" ice cream to "Hubby Hubby"!

Official Press Release from Ben & Jerry's

Ben & Jerry's Hubby Hubby flavor page

(and from SFGate.com)
Ben & Jerry's goes Hubby Hubby for Vermont weddings

"While activists are still hard at work on repealing Prop 8 and marriage equality, wedding bells clanged for same-sex unions for the first time in Vermont today.

Vermont, home to maple syrup and birthplace of that other magic elixir, Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, ignored the "who will change his name" debate, and just went ahead and did it. The artist (ice cream so good it's art) formerly known as the flavor "Chubby Hubby" has a new married name: "Hubby Hubby," in support of all the newly married couples.

..."