TOP 5: Week of September 20-26, 2008

Yeah... it's been Forever since I've done one of these. (It's also been Forever since I've written back to my friend Karen, so first... here's a shout-out to her for being so patient: K2 Rocks!).

Alright... now then... I'm wanting to do a Top 5 for this particular week because there was just so many good things that happened.

5. Mailing Out Packages: the packages in question are those of picture CDs, prints, and other goodies, that were from the trips to South Florida and Disneyland. The project was weighing heavily on my mind even though I know that it fell under the "trying too hard" category. It was just a really good feeling to know that I was done with it... just like when I catch up on blog entries.

4. Fall Into Winter 5K: this was my return to the running scene, not so much by running as by just being there to take pictures. And it was an unexpected and awesome opportunity to spend time with my across-the-street neighbors. Like I wrote times before, I missed the endorphins and grand camaraderie that accompanies these events. It's also the perspective I get from seeing the ocean and so early in the morning. It was a good start to the series.

3. Toastmasters Speech: I initially thought that this would easily be #1, but giving some perspective, it comes in at #3 because it's just the beginning of many successful speeches. I was thrilled that I didn't freeze, and it was a great to see the result of a lot of time invested. I'm already signed up for my next speech.

2. Shopping at the Merritt Island Mall: the fact that I found a few pairs of pants for work and a few patterned shorts (all on sale) was fantastic. Sometimes I come away with nothing, but this time I caught some nice fish. It was a really successful day of shopping -- retail therapy at its finest.

And my #1 for the week of September 20-26, 2008...

1. "Young Friend" by Brooke Waggoner: this song is incredible. It has an amazing spirit and clever structure/progression, plus I'm a fool for the piano when used properly (the piano... not me). This was a free download of the week at iTunes, and I fell in love with it immediately.

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Other notable events:
- Oven-Baked Chicken Wings
- RZ/SCR Fun Run and Potluck
- TM Ambassador visit to Rockwell Collins

GAY DAYS 2008: Red Shirts - Top 10!

Okay, here's Part 2 of 2... of My Top 10 Red Shirts of Gay Days 2008!!!

But first...

Honorable Mentions:

"Clean Planes, Dirty Martinis"
Where: the Delta Airlines booth at the Gay Days Expo at the Royal Plaza Resort
When: Friday afternoon
Comment: Surprised that Southwest wasn't there, but glad to see that someone else I fly is so openly gay-friendly. They were giving out fruity shots and I scored a mini metal cocktail shaker (Schwag Pride!).

"I'm Not Gay But My Weiner Is"
Where: at the end of Main Street USA
When: getting ready for the 3 o'clock parade
Comment: Again, not a red shirt, but definitely gay. I like the twist on the popular "I'm not gay but my boyfriend is" shirt. Speaking of which, near Splash Mountain I saw a guy wearing a "I'm not gay but my girlfriend is" shirt (which was white) and he was with his girlfriend?... not sure how that works but it kinda did.

"What Would Madonna Do?"
Where: in line for its a small world
When: after the 3 o'clock parade
Comment: The shirt poses the ultimate question and makes us think outside the box... plus the guy reminded me of Peeler from Bravo's Work Out (hot). This would've definitely made my Top 10 and maybe T5 if it had been red.

***Alright... It's time for my Top 10!***

Number #10
"Wong Brothers"
Where: Fantasyland
When: after exiting Philharmagic (which I do like)
Comment: Yep, this is one of the shirts from Abercrombie & Fitch that had some Asian-American organizations calling for a boycott of the store back in 2002. I thought the shirt was funny. I'd wear it.

Number #9
"It's So Big"
Where: beside Cinderella's Castle where you can get a yummy funnel cake
When: after it's a small world
Comment: We traded turns taking pictures of each other's shirt. I like how unapologetic and Adventureland his shirt was. I think he was taking picture for the local Watermark magazine, so maybe I'll be in print next week? (pre-emptive woo!).

Number #8
"I'm Easy To Use And Operate"
Where: in front of Space Mountain
When: early morning, 10:00am-ish
Comment: The message had a good size, and was clear and clean (just like its owner). This friendly photogenic bear advertises well. I'm sold!

Number #7
"Bear Card"
Where: at the TTC Monorail Station to MK
When: second thing in the morning
Comment: I think these are from the same people who brought us the "Incredi-bears" last year. They were out in large numbers, organized and happy. Parking's actually $11, but they were dead on with the "Scaring the straight person next to you...".

Number #6
"The Fox & The Hound"
Where: by the Partners statue
When: waiting for the 3 o'clock parade
Comment: I like the nod to the classic and under-represented Disney feature and the sweet and simple design. I also like how this particular picture turned out -- it's busy like a Where's Waldo or I Spy page (SO much to look at).

Number #5
"I'm Feeling Lucky"
Where: really right in front of Cinderella's Castle
When: right after the 3 o'clock parade
Comment: This is actually a Google.com shirt -- and "I'm Feeling Lucky" (I should've gotten a better picture) is one of the search options (ha!). I don't think that it's special company apparel for GD, so I have to give major props to guy for saving the shirt for this occasion. Geek Pride!

Number #4
"Nobody Made Me Gay, I Did It Myself" & "Priceless"
Where: walking by the Partners statue
When: also right after the 3 o'clock parade
Comment: The son's shirt is cute, but the prize goes more to the father's shirt that reads: "Disney Trip 600.00 -- 2 Kids 200,000.00 -- Both Being Gay. -- Priceless". Awww. What an awesome dad. I bet the family had a memorable day.

Number #3
"SILF"
Where: Frontierland
When: on the way to Splash Mountain/Big Thunder Mountain
Comment: If you haven't noticed already, I tend to favor more of the grossly inappropriate shirts. This one warranted a double-take and a moment to ponder, and the question's the same for everyone "does it mean what I think it does?"... yes, and that's the beauty -- and it Is a nice-looking sandwich.

Number #2
"Fairy Poppins"
Where: in front of Splash Mountain
When: 4:11:28PM (according to my camera)
Comment: What trumps inappropriate shirts? Gay-themed Disney-referencing attire! This one was an instant favorite of my friend Cori. I think it's darling when bears advertise their softer side though I'm glad that this year I didn't see any bears with Tinkerbell wings. Plus, the image of Julie Andrews standing beside this guy made me smile.

And my pick for the Best Red Shirt of Gay Days 2008...

Number #1
"F*G" & "F*GH*G"s
Where: outside of Haunted Mansion
When: after riding Haunted Mansion
Comment: Young, Asian... not what I expected (I really thought that a bear would bring home the prize again), but the shirts were wonderfully simple and coordinated, plus the F*G & his F*GH*Gs were photo-gracious at a moment's notice and were totally unpretentious, cool-chill relaxed, and gave out a great vibe. And that's why this is my pick for the Best Gay Days Red Shirt of 2008.

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***Please leave a message and tell me what you think of my Top 10? :)
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You may also want to check out these related posts:
    Gay Days 2008 Red Shirts - Part 1
    Gay Days 2007 - The Red Shirts

TOP: Favorite Posts of 2007

January (41)
01/01/07: "PHOTOS: Happy New Year!"
01/07/07: "RACE: Disney Goofy Challenge"
01/22/07: "JOURNAL: 11 1/2 hours of good work"

February (36)
02/06/07: "JOURNAL: What's Missing?"
02/17/07: "TOP 5: Um... from Yesterday and Today"
02/28/07: "CATABLOG: Sneek Peek and the Need for Wii-Lief"

March (34)
03/06/07: "BULLOG: Baltimore Trip: The Food"
03/09/07: "CATABLOG: Three Days Worth"
03/22/07: "CATCHUP: Photos and mini memories"

April (21)
4/06/07: "TOP 3: Cindy's Visit (Disney Inline Marathon)"
4/28/07: "JOURNAL: my bathroom is his office"
4/29/07: "EVENT: Melbourne Art Festival"

May (27)
05/05/07: "RUN: Another 6.0 miles, Home <--> VHS @43:43"
05/16/07: "PHOTOS: Mother's Day"
05/27/07: "DISNEY: Two Weekends Left"

June (77)
06/04/07: "GAY DAY PICS: The Red Shirts"
06/07/07: "JOURNAL: Mom and Dad made the News"
06/17/07: "JOURNAL: Weekend Report"
06/24/07: "FOOD: Mexico and Japan"

July (26)
7/12/07: "RUN: 2 miles @ slow. Home <--> WM. Catching Up."
7/23/07: "DISNEY: EpcotFilms/WDWMagic Post"
7/26/07: "RUN: Running Zone Race Series Brochure"

August (37)
08/01/07: "EVENT: "Top 3 @ 3" on 107.1 FM - WA1A"
08/13/07: "MOM!: Our Day At Disney, Future World (1 of 3)"
08/14/07: "MOM!: Our Day at Disney, World Showcase (2 of 3)"
08/28/07: "RUN: 3.6 miles, Home <--> Avenue Light @26:48"

September (27)
09/10/07: "Labor Day at Disneyland!"
09/10/07: "Disneyland Half-Marathon Photos"
09/13/07: "JOURNAL: Kathy wins an Emmy!"
09/29/07: "HOUSE: Kitchen Refurb -- Garbage Disposal (Pt. 1)"

October (33)
10/27/07: "Disney Tower of Terror 13k: Team Ugly Shorts!"
10/19/07: "GAY: Come Out With Pride Orlando"
10/17/07: "PUG: Moo Shu & Sibs"
10/14/07: "Cedric's visit for the Army Ten Miler"

November (43)
11/03/07: "FOOD: Watermelon Water and Potstickers"
11/11/07: "PUG: Moo Shu - Week 12 - The Weird Pics"
11/14/07: "DISNEY: Festival of the Masters - Sidewalk Chalk"
11/14/07: "EVENT: Lifehouse at Captain Hiram's"
11/18/07: "EVENT: Orlando Opera Company Gala Dinner"
11/25/07: "RACE: Space Coast Marathon, Cocoa, FL (did not run)"
11/27/07: "Thanksgiving FFF 2007"

December (31)
12/05/07: "MUSIC: Lifehouse's "First Time" Cover Contest"
12/09/07: "EVENT: Orlando Gay Chorus "Don We Now..."
12/16/07: "EVENT: Ernie and JoJo Dinner"
12/24/07: "RUN: 6.25 miles@~1:20:00, Ross Park<-->The CW, Ohio"

TOP 3: Weekend of September 28-30, 2007

I know... it's been a while since I've done one of these Top 3 lists. I just figure that a big theme of this weekend is "looking on the bright side", trying to stay optimistic, so what better way of commemorating that than with a Top 3 list.

3. Time at the Teahouse: It's my home away from home away from home, a chance for me to be around fun and friendly people, and where hard work is appreciated. I feel comfortable there, being able to slip between the social and the solitary. It's family.

2. Garbage Disposal Project: I did it and without electrocuting myself in the process. There is a great sense of accomplishment that came with this, and it's not a one-time feeling... no, I'm taking this feeing of being capable to the other challenges I will face. Oh, and it's good to have a functioning kitchen sink again.

1. Songs from TV: First, Ingrid Michaelson's "The Way I Am" from an Old Navy commercial. It conjures a crisp and clean, everyone wears linens, Martha-Stewart meets Target world based out of our very own Celebration... not a bad place to be.

Then the SNL Digital Short "Iran So Far". I will remember being in my pajamas watching the season premiere of Saturday Night Live, curled up under a blanket on my cold couch, eating a mix of frozen yogurt and chocolate muffin, surprised that NBC is actually funny again.

Two great songs found in one weekend.

TOP 3: Cindy's Visit (Disney Inline Marathon)

No kidding that this week has been a rough one at work and home, but when I thought about last weekend, when my sister came to visit for the Disney Inline Marathon, there was just too many good memories. Here are my Top 3 for Cindy's Visit (3/29/07-4/02/07):

(in reverse order)
3. Walking around Pop Century: yeah, this isn't a "big" event or anything, but sometimes the quieter moments are worth mentioning. Our schedule up to then... and afterwards (pretty much the entire time) was rush-rush-rush-no-sleep, but I really enjoyed spending time with my sister looking at towel animals in other people's windows, all the huge pop culture icons, and even stopping and smelling the flowers.

2. Dinner at Boma: right after our walk around Pop Century, we headed out to our pre-race dinner. We had made reservations earlier in the week for the buffet restaurant at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. For one thing, the food is different, and I've heard and read really really great reviews, and for another thing, I wanted her to see a different Disney resort, and I've visited the AKL once before and was just awestruck by the detail/complexity/beauty of the place. So it was nice to be back and be able to share that with my sister. Back to the food... the buffet at Boma is organized into different "Pods" - serving meats, soups, salads, sides, hummuses, desserts, etc. and at each Pod, the selections presented a widely range of tastes. Anyways, a lot could be said of all the foods, but it was just so wonderful, and the service was also top notch. I want to take my parents there the next time they're down here for a visit.

1. CINDY!: She was a lot of fun, and I'm so glad that she was able to make it down here for the inline marathon. There's so much more I could write, but here are some pictures from the race that'll show you what a great time we had:

(she's always in front of me!)

TOP 4: Online Shows for the Weeks 1 & 2 of No Cable

1. Ugly Betty: UB's gotten in its groove. I like the world it creates, the openly gay characters (heh, "Mantasy Island"...), and the love that the series is centered around. The series is doing a fantastic job keeping their storylines moving quickly, and each of the recent episodes feels complete and significant. Plus it is getting all the A-List guest stars, it can pull off using contemporary music.


2. Brothers & Sisters: at this point and time, B&S has also found its groove, and I'm enjoying it... especially the gay character, of course. I do have to say that I think they recruited all the guest stars from Alias onto this show... still, not Too distracting, and it's good.


3. Grey's Anatomy: G'sA is still doing well, but I want more Christina! G's A is at an odd state for me. I'm... somewhat skeptical but hopeful at the moment. It's still doing well, but I want more Christina and less of the Addison/Karev romance.


4. Heroes: Heroes is still a good show, but like Lost, it's losing some of the heart that it initially started with. I just find it odd that everyone's becoming so... comfortable with their powers at the same time, and there's no more of the awkwardness that I found so endearing to begin with. Sylar's bad, and it just pains me to see more innocent people die. Plus the show's moving along quite slowly right now. And not that it has anything to do with the show, the way that NBC website does their online streaming is not as good as ABC (who, if you noticed, took the top 3 spots of this top 4 list... go ABC?!). Oh well... to Heroes: "save the world already, and let's move on".

TOP 5: Um... from Yesterday and Today

I'm officially not avoiding the TOP 3 entries anymore, but I'm also not going to go through the formalities of the typical TOP 3 entry. The think-backs, listing, organizing, gathering, the blah blah blah, was just too much pressure. So I'm easing back in with Top (whatever number) of (whatever timeframe)... until I get steady with it again.

So there.

Here's the Top 5 from the past two days (February 16-17, 2007):

1. Tonosama Combo from the Yakitori House at Epcot's Japan - OHHHHHH... I've been craving this O-SO-Tasty meal for a long time. It never fails to draw spasm-of-delight from my tongue to my toes. I love this stuff. And what makes it better was that I had toured the World Showcase counterclockwise and had bought a kick-ass cap from Canada that was A) on sale!!! [me good shopper] and B) keeping my head warm; it was a cold day. Also, was also able to snap a couple good squirrel pictures. But back to the food: yum yum, me love long time. [FOOD, DISNEY]


2. Brothers & Sisters on ABC - What a great show. I didn't care for the first part of the pilot or a few of the early episodes, but this series has found its stride. And I suspect that it may take a sudden turn for the better (a la Grey's Anatomy, not so much as wide appeal, but in its intensity with cult support). I kind of started watching when I heard about the gay character (yes, I'm still shallow like that), but really, he's a really good character. I like the feeling of family the show has, with Sally Fields as the crazy mom... I watched a couple episodes tonight, and halfway through my mini-marathon, I just had to call mom (all together now: awwwww...). Anyways, really good show, give it a chance, then give me a call :) [TV,GAY]


3. Dinner with Friends - It's nice meeting someone new, and it was nice to introduce friends, plus the restaurant is nice "just the way it is" - beautiful inside and outa nice meal at a very reasonable price. [GAY, FOOD]


4. Laundry Baskets - I got the caramel-pumpkin orange laundry baskets (6 of them) at Wal-Mart late at night on the way back from Disney. I love the color - it's just so... different. The sticker on the shelf was $5.00, but when I scanned it... *bing* $2.00, and I was like... "I'm getting 6 of them!"... Actually, I may totally go back and grab the rest. [GAY]


5. Pom Pom's Tea House - I stopped by after Disney to grab dinner, but ended up staying and helping out. I enjoy spending time there - it's my home away from home, and they're (literally) "my family". It's such a contrast from life in Melbourne. Cori and Miah (sp?) were working, but I was able to see Pom and Mike for a little bit. [GAY, FAMILY, FOOD]

MOVIE: Dreamgirls

Tonight I finally went to go see Dreamgirls. I give it 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.

A quick review (since still lots to do tonight) would be to say that my TOP 3 comments for the movie are:
1. Jennifer Hudson: absolutely amazing. great great great singer, presence, performance. I just wanted more of her. You go girl!
2. The End Credits Montage: yeah, the showing of the different cinematic elements was a bit of an obvious whoring for nods, but it was cool to see anyways. What no spread for the movie's caterers? cool though. very cool (especially the bit for the editors).
3. Listen: really good song, and it should be nominated. The song was well-placed and shows the maturity and development of Beyonce's character in the movie. I was considering buying it off of iTunes (along with 'Move' - their talent contest song) but am giving it some time to sink-in... and not be so hasty.

Dreamgirls was a good movie, and I wouldn't mind if it got a Best Pic nod... I just really don't see it winning because there were a few, strong, oooo... shakes-head moments/elements that prevented it from being a very good/great movie. Here are the movie's BOTTOM 3:
1. Audio-Visual Synchronization: on MANY musical occaisions, the voice being heard singing absolutely DID NOT MATCH what was shown on screen... in tone and timbre.... it was very obvious that the tracks were recorded in a studio studio, and each time, it put a bigger gap between myself and the world being presented to us. By the end of the movie, I was looking away from the screen when there was singing... it was that painful.
2. Bad Casting: don't get me wrong... Jennifer Hudson was great, Beyonce, Jamie Foxx, Danny Glover, Eddie Murphy, and the other Dreamettes were good/okay. Just... pretty much everyone else. Too much talent in the less significant roles were SO distracting... like the guy from Psych (who obviously didn't do his own singing), the wife from Grey's Anatomy, Jim from the Office and 3rd Rock guy with really really bad hair... WHY? But I do think that the over-casting of recognizable actors was to the benefit of Jennifer Hudson (but Jennifer definitely did her work!)
3. (There's really no third bad thing.)

The two negatives were big Big BIG negatives, but Jennifer Hudson's Oscar-worthy performance, along with the capable editing and handling of the story, makes me give Dreamgirls a thumbs-up from me.

TOP 3: Week of December 11-17, 2006

Because of the 5-day hiatus and the fact that I really did take a 5-day hiatus, this TOP 3 will be quick and dirty (though not "dirty". awww... I know). I really enjoyed the time off and am finding myself probably too busy to post much this week either (flying out for Canada on Thursday)... so take this as a quick check-in and a notice of another (much-needed) hiatus. I'll be back on Dec 27th. :)

1. Magic Kingdom with Hong-Yi and Dan: 12+ hours at the park and getting on as many rides as we did... it was a nice time with Hong-Yi and friend Dan. Three very un-camera-shy Asian gay guys roaming the Happiest Place on Earth until dark dark.
2. Up-Down-Up at Home and Work: The stresses of a busy holiday season got to me... hard... but it was a cathartic release that I was due for and was timed well enough before the final week of work to not be devastating to the upcoming trip. With the support of my older sister (for listening), my co-workers (for giving me space), and my guy (for understanding and for being awesome), I was able to get through it and end up with a motivated and productive week of work (+ overtime! (woo!)).
3. RaceTrac Coffee: Iced Coffee and for cheap... I mean "from the heart"... no, for cheap. It both fed a need for kitsch and a need for Caffeine. Love the caramel and the toffee nut.
HM. Orlando Gay Chorus Holiday Special: I went with my friend JoJo, and he mentioned how good felt to be around so many gay people without having to ___(be at a dive-bar that would've been pretty much our only option had we've been in Melbourne)___. And it was true. I did see a couple of familiar faces, and again, the feeling of community is growing, and it's both reassuring and nurturing. The chorus did a great job, and it was a joyful performance. :)

TV Show of the Week: (dare I write it) Survivor. there was absolutely nothing else [new] on tv this week. the finale was actually pretty interesting, and the fact that an Asian won was cool (congrats yul!).

Song of the Week: "The First Noel" by Yolanda Adams

TOP 3: Week of December 4-10, 2006

1. Finding Nemo - The Musical: Again, everything about this show was fantastic, and it was the start of an absolutely enjoyable and relaxing day over at Walt Disney World. I'm already pining over my next visit over there... to look at the Christmas decorations over at MK & Epcot. With Stitch at my side, it'll be another fun and memorable time.

2. Poker and Euchre's Bullog: My older sister is the person I enjoy hanging out the most with because she likes the board games, the tv, and the grocery stores... when I go visit her, the Wegman's, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's are our theme parks. And I love my nephews! It's great that they have a new blog. I like their picture and video updates and retrospectives. And I hear that grandma likes to keep up with the little boys too! (link)

3. Lunch With Jonathan: Refreshing Fruit. Yup. Yup. That's what Jonathan is. He's a fun to hang out and talk with because, like me, he's a little out there (that's a compliment). It's nice to have a friend in the business. It sounds like so much fun to work at Disney. I'll definitely give him a call the next time I'm over.

TV Show of the Week: Ugly Betty - I don't particularly remember much of the show that I "watched"... but there really wasn't any competition this week.

Song(s) of the Week:
"Move Along" by The All-American Rejects

and "Tonight I Wanna Cry" by Keith Urban


Other notable events:
- Christmas Tree Up
- Monday Cell-Phone-Free Shopping
- Smoothie MO & TU
- Wednesday Date Night
- Frick for Sick
- Fine Work
- Calf Sprain
- Skip Practice, Gay Skate, Shindig, and New Grad
- Disney Animal Kingdom
- Osbourne Holiday Lights at Disney-MGM Studios
- Smores at Sam's
- Stitch Ears
- Reindeer Run 5K (with camera)
- Sent out little sister's Christmas gift
- "Making Spirits Bright" at the Henegar Center, Emily, Cynthia
- Sunday Work
- The Amazing Race Finale
- Phone Calls With Guy

TOP 3: Week of November 27 - December 3, 2006

1. Herb, Eric, and Jonathan: when you stay entertained with three guys for seven hours, you've got to make it your #1 of the week.     ... wait, that didn't sound right


2. Downtown Produce Lunch and Smoothie: fresh, healthy, awesome food with a really thick, really yummy smoothie.     oops, i forgot to bring my lunch to work... again...


3. Office Holiday Decorations: Christmas lights and glittery stuff along the hallways, all in the name of making spirits brights... Why couldn't Halloween be this festive? Anyways, the picture is a pillow I won in a silent auction put on by a quilting co-worker. It's a gift for my little sister. It's safe to post because she doesn't read my blog.     yeah, that's not me just in my boxer briefs (come on, it's been a few days since the last kitchen photo)

HM. The Mullets: OMG, you've just gotta love The Mullets.     the sports bottle's a nice touch... (it's not filled with water)


TV Show of the Week: Gilmore Girls Season 1 on DVD - Lorelai gets the hottest guys, that Betch!


Song of the Week: "8 Days of Christmas" by Destiny's Child - heard it at AE, and started dancing.


Other Notable Things:
- Monday Good Work
- Monday Loosen-Up Run
- John John Run
- Upper GI OK
- TLR Brevard Meeting
- 4,5.2,2,5.2,0,13.1,?=...
- mysql binary logs
- 5 days-in-a-row of running
- OUC Half-Marathon
- Mushroom Cavatappi and Cheesy Pasta

TOP 3: Week of November 20-26, 2006

1. Disney Friday: two meals on one tray, taking a slow stroll down a path with someone special (no rush), exploring and rediscovering places... (this event is atf). the day involved visiting a friend at a disney office, a visit to studios to ride the tower of terror and to scavenger hunt the prop shop for an AP lithograph, followed by "just lunch" at the riverside mill at the port orleans resort. i made it back to melbourne mid-afternoon and promptly passed out for a couple hours. exhausted. smiling.


2. Deland Thanksgiving Ten-Miler: third time makes a tradition. ran with scott again, but also too off to get a PR, and with a figgin' incredible negative split (8:00 for miles 1&2, 7:00 for 3-5, 6:40 for 6-10). i was sociable and although my hair was mega-poofy, i had a good time and had a nice drive to-and-from (no road raging!)


3. Toyota Dealership, Gas Cap: this was a less-showy event that happened this week that i have to appreciate. it's proof that i'm trying to take care of my car. granted, it probably needs its belts checked and brake pads replace, but that's for another time. i just thought that it was cool that the dealership was also selling the trunk cargo net that I already have and some window shades that i'm not sure if i want. anyways, otherwise, this week's top 3 would've been all weekend-spectacular events... and we can't have that. mid-week representin'.


HM. Space Coast Half-Marathon: the SCHM has to get mention because of the near-PR effort and the seeing everyone and meeting a couple new people. hopefully, i've learned a couple things that'll help me reach that goal for this upcoming weekend's OUC half (e.g. pre-race pasta dinner = bad). anyways, the photo-sharing by all afterwards was really awesome... i love fiona's picture of me at the finish! and bart yasso was an awesome guest -- his presentation at the pre-race dinner was absolutely intriguing. great job by don and denise, the race directors.

TV Show: Grey's Anatomy on ABC
Song of the Week: "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me" on NPR (not really a song, but it was the best audio of the week nonetheless).

Other notable events:
- Phone Calls
- Cool Running
- 3-Day Holiday Work Week
- HFMC Physical
- "Rocket To The Moon" by Jim Brickman
- Sonic Burgers
- Green Bean Casserole, twice
- Sinus Migraine/Staying Home
- Thanksgiving at Jason & Jonathans
- Volunteering at the 5K
- back to the faux hawk
- Bob, Scott, J.W.
- Photo Exchange

TOP 3: Week of November 13-19, 3006

1. WDW with Stitch: roaming-Stitch made for a nice companion/distraction. He had no qualms about posing for the ridiculous photos, and we ended up with a nice set of photos. I also felt like a proud parent yesterday and was able to transfer some of my nervous energies into caring for him.

2. Sonic Burgers: these burgers capped off a nice running night on Tuesday. It was an instance in which I recognized the need to celebrate myself, and I was able to life in that moment.

3. Thursday After-Work: busy, busy night... of movie, dinner, movie. Yes, all the events and ideas did set up for a more-than-unnecessary-drama Friday and Saturday, but both movies were great, and I had a nice time at the dinner/silent-auction.

HM. Paul's joke ("So these three buddist monks arrive at the Pearly Gates..."): it's a good joke that I can remember. And it gets laughs, even when I tell it!

TV Show of the Week: "Amateur" by Lasse Gjertsen (okay, so it's a video and not a tv show, but I didn't watch much tv this week... plus this video is friggin' awesome.)

[UPDATE 7/16/09: just refreshing the embedded video]

Song(s) of the Week:
"All These Things That I've Done" by The Killers
(couldn't find the official music video, so this'll have to do... anyways, the anime-fans are typically really good making video covers)

[UPDATE 7/16/09: the official video for the song is easily found on YouTube and DailyMotion, but I find that a lot of the song's charm is its application to other things people find enthusiastic.]

and "Explode" by Nelly Furtado

[UPDATE 7/16/09: just refreshing the embedded video]

Other Notable Events:
- Space Coast Runners monthly board meeting
- Mary and Michelle
- Good Job Compliment
- Audiobooks
- Florida Lotto Office Pool
- Coffee
- Mini-Meatloaves
- Multiple Running Partners
- Phone calls
- 6:56am's
- Mow Lawn
- TLR Brevard dinner w/JoJo
- Saturday Work Day
- Lonely Day
- Disney Day (MK, AKL, Ep)
- Danny & Nigel @ Pom Pom's
- Free Food at Work
- Toastmasters, table topics award
- MOVIE: Borat
- MOVIE: Casino Royale
- "Sinners" Photo
- TLR: Silent Auction
- Monday/Saturday Work

TOP 3: Week of November 6-12, 2006

1. BANDANAS for keeping my hair down: good hair days mean a lot.


2. ORLANDO FESTIVAL OF TREES for the christmas feeling: the sights, the sounds, the smells...


3. ENERGIZE FOR LIFE XC 5K for the kicking results: strategy = 1+ min improvement & my first age-group win of the season.

TV Show of the Week: heroes

Song of the Week: "one-trick pony" by nelly furtado


Other notable events:
- the election and voting (the democrats wins both the house and the senate!)
- sick wednesday running (nice dark sweaty run down the empty arm of the roundabout)
- five loads of laundry (git'er done)
- mysql task (interesting work)
- toastmasters, joining (potential work perf. improvements; guaranteed smiling faces)
- eye doctor/productive break (justified mid-day out-of-office & didn't have to take sick leave)
- graduating from physical therapy (going to miss the mini-spa sessions, but no more worrying about making up the time)
- sick sick sick (sucked to feel under the weather, but managed to get through it this time without a trip to the doctor)
- piano playing (really should be doing this more)
- less tv then tv marathon (not a lot of shows worth watching but a couple worth watching over and over and over...)
- meeting with Lisa (the exciting prospect of becoming a mentor... of being of use to the community)
- sunday run (i still can't believe i woke up for it)
- visit from irene and masayo (surprise slumber party)
- heroes marathon (heroes overload?)

Commentary: I know, this week Top 3 blog looks skeletal, but there just isn't more to elaborate on. So, to make it up to y'all, I've included an "exclusive" pic with each Top choice and added embedded media for the TV Show/Song of the Week -- for the Heroes clip, I wanted but couldn't find one of Nathan (Adrian Pasdar) walking into the Diner shirtless and smiling... instead, the clip of him shirtless and flying's will have to do.

TOP 3: Week of October 30 - November 5, 2006

1. Running Camp: this includes the mile repeats with Greg & Jamie on Tuesday, the intervals with Paul & Jamie on Thursday, and the early-morning Sunday long run with Paul. Running has been keeping me sane. The people are absolutely great -- such dedication and such endorphins. And we've been very evenly-paced, which is a marked improvement/maturity on my part as far as running goes. I've discovered that I'm a kicker. And now I can look forward to breaking some PRs in the upcoming races. I'm putting in the distance for the long runs. I should be putting more days in, but I'm a busy man. And it's been pretty fun keeping my after-work schedule tight. It's a good feeling to know that I'm actually working towards my goals.

2. Orlando Gay Chorus: this was a new experience for me. And attending practice was fun, really fun. It's a diverse group of people, again putting in their own time, money, and effort for a common goal - the gift of music. It was challenging, so there's that sense of accomplishment and development that came with the experience. And I got to meet some interesting people - all so nice. And it's definitely worth the drive each week. It's such a positive outlet for my need to be around the gays. I'm looking forward to attending my second practice this coming Wednesday. And I'm planning on auditioning for the group in January.

3. Gay Skate: I had been waiting two months for this. I was able to use my blades and practiced some new moves. And even though there weren't huge numbers at this event, it Was a social event, and I met some cool people. Also, it was after running mile-intervals, so the endorphin level was high. I presented myself well: confident, happy, fine. So yay to it. Yay to me.

HM. Joel's Beachside Party: this garnered the honorable mention because (again) it was a social event. Instead of bailing out and heading out to Disney without the usual charge to go, I attended this event. First impression was panic attactthereweresomanypeoplethere. But I did take steps to get myself through it... go to the uncrowded areas and chillax. And Teresa was great company. Either way, I did take care of myself and didn't let my social anxiety get the best of me.

(Yeah, my Top 3 tends to be about either running or something gay... go figure. Running camp has been very deserving for several weeks now, but the OGC experience was so nice... I just want to give it a couple more visits before bestowing it the great honor of #1.)

TV Show of the Week: The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Song of the Week: "In the Morning" by Junior Boys

Other notable events:
- Package from Cindy: sorry Cindy, you didn't make it to the Top 3 this week; happy belated birthday though.
- Patrick Saving the Evening: getting stuck at work sucked, but it felt good to be rescued and having those extra hours count was kind of awesome.
- Physical Therapy (Mini-Spa Sessions): good because it's a massage, some easy personal training exercises, and a nap; the timing was good because i got a good start on heading out to orlando for ogc practice that night.
- Halloween or the lack-there-of: more blah than yay; there's just no halloween spirit at work.
- Pick-up at Pom Pom's: I actually got to see Pom at the teahouse, yay! they look well, and the food was delicious.
- Cresent Rolls: experimentation is good. And yummy... I'll probably go eat the triangle right now.
- Space Coast Classic 15K: s'okay... wished that I ran, but I did get a number of really good photographs for the memory book... so I was of some use there.

TOP 3: Week of October 23-29, 2006

1. Ugly Betty (Hola!): the halloween-episode. Asides from Wilhelmina's assistant, Marc, dressed up as faux-Betty (priceless), my admiration for this week's show is much due to how I watched this episode... I had good company and was the best television experience I've had since the premiere of Heroes.

2. Walks around the Lake with Chuck: I can't remember if I've previously given Chuck the credit, but he deserves it for keeping me sane at work... plus the exercise... and the sun vitamins...

3. Krispy Kreme: these golden rings were to celebration my waking up and running on Sunday -- but were representative of a little more. The night before, on the way back from Orlando Saturday night, Jojo reminded me that I have to celebrate my accomplishments. It's a perspective thing. I tend to lose it (perspective) often, and I just need that self-reinforcement of what I'm capable of.

HM. Creaky Bones Dash 5K @21:30: I stuck to my plan (kick it), ran well (met my goal) for not having warmed up. And again with the feeling of belonging in the running community... it's not a 'superstar' thing, just a gilmore-girls/northern-exposure sense of belonging. And I got to hang out with David, Garret, and Paul.

TV Show(s) of the Week: Ugly Betty and Gilmore Girls
Song of the Week: "23" by Jimmy Eat World

Other notable events:
- Having Something to Look Forward To
- Co-Location and Logins
- The Living Room of Brevard Monthly Board Meeting
- Polenta meal from Target
- Running Practice with Paul
- House Cleaning
- Talk with Jason across the street
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Brownies
- Busy Friday morning
- Date Night
- All Hallows 10 For The Fringe w/Jojo, David, & Manuel
- Pumpkin Delivering
- Sunday Run 7.5 miles w/Paul&David
- Krispy Kreme doughnuts
- Work Morning
- Packing Race Packets in Cocoa Beach
- Asian Wok
- Gilmore Girls weekend
- DM

TOP 3: Week of October 16-22, 2006

1. Masquerade Ball Water-Station: this was a very rewarding experience. It gave me a sense of being responsible, of giving-back, of accomplishment. I enjoyed working with the kids and seeing some familiar faces. The change of location and pace of that morning were a wonderful surprise, and was a good start to the race-themed weekend.

2. Running Partners: Greg, David, John, Mike, Loran, Dave, Robin, Jen, Doug, Mary... these past few weeks, I've been training better and enjoying practices more, and the reason is because of my running partners. They've been great with keeping up my motivation and with pacing. And because of them, I feel like I've matured as a runner. Thank you all.

3. Reassuring Words: I had a rough time this past Thursday. The reason was that I had lost focus on what's important in life. I'm glad to have family, friends, and co-workers that can help me find my way again -- Jojo for his encouragement; Jordan for his empathy; Karen for her familiarity; and Cindy for her care.

TV Show of the Week: Project Runway (Yay, Jeffrey!)

Song of the Week: "Eyes" by Rogue Wave

Other notable events:
- Sending Out Pride Photos
- Doug's Camp / 2-Mile Time Trial @12:29
- Semi-Sick Leave: HFMC, Eye Doctor, Physical Therapy
- [nervous breakdown at work]
- Holy Trinity Two-Milers
- Bangkok Noodles
- Coming Out to Dave and Robin
- U Can Finish 5-Miler Race then Cooldown with Jen
- Getting Cleaned-up at Herb / Finding Herb's House
- Sunday Lunch at Pom Pom's / Getting Tea-Bagged by Morgan
- Half Nelson at the Enzian with Jerry

TOP 3: Week of October 9-15, 2006

1. Coming Out With Pride Orlando: at this event I felt the sense of family, community, acceptance, and hope that I needed after such a week of unease. My mind and body have been getting worn-out by Florida and it's vanilla landscape, but Orlando Pride was able to inject some color to the canvas. Also, I was able to catch up with a lot of people, and I'm didn't feel quite so much like I was alone. Plus I got a lot of good swag from the parade: a Disney mouse hat, and a Universal Studios visor and magnetic picture frame. And even though I went to the event by myself, I was able to find most of Orlando friends there and also find that special positive reinforcement.

2. West Orange Trail: my mini-adventure for Friday -- finding the place and then rollerblading friggin' 26 miles, which I'm counting as experience towards next year's Disney Inline Marathon that my older sister is interesting in. The trail itself was very well-kept, and the changes of scenery was wonderful; I liked the fact that every half-mile was marked and that there was water available. The entire journey to and from there was pleasant, exciting, and endorphin producing.

3. Running Practice with Greg: The best practice so far should get a spot in the top 3. It was an aggressive practice that started off at the right speed. Even-pacing and the pick ups at the end was one of those "more than I could've asked for" sort of feelings. And Greg was a good running partner. Coach has high expectations from me... 13:00 for Tuesday's two-mile time trials. We'll see.

HM. Kathy Griffin: Kathy Griffin did a great job when she came to perform at the King Center. And it was exciting to see a few familiar faces in the crowd. And meeting Kathy afterwards with the dozen or so others was a thrill. But the reason this event didn't make my Top 3 is because even though I was pumped afterwards, the feeling just wasn't able to hold up the next day at work. The boost from this experience was sort-of short lived, but does deserve an honorable mention.

TV Show(s) of the Week: Heroes and Miami Ink

Song of the Week: Track 1 on Keisuke Kuwata "Top Of The Pops" album

Other notable events:
- LongDoggers with Rob (subEvent of the SHOW: Kathy Griffin blog; the food there was really good and the waitress was nice; it's easier being friends with people when I don't have the stress of working with them)
- Winter Garden Publix (subEvent of the WOT mini-adventure; I picked up lunch from here and the people there were so nice; there was also where I spotted a hot cop as mentioned in the BLADE: WOT blog)
- Talking with Cindy (she really calmed me down Wednesday night when I was stressing with working 14 hrs that day; i really appreciate having her as family)
- Letter from Karen (exciting and made me smile; I didn't get a chance to write a reply letter right away because I wanted to add a CD of cool music and a picture of Adrian Pasdar... and I've been stressing about it for a week; I hope to get it done tonight?)
- Blading and Boba (Saturday's mini-adventure to WM & the Avenue on my blades; and I felt chic with a Lychee Slushie Boba drink in hand, blading down the sidewalks along Lake Andrew Dr.)
- Finding Nemo Preview (not so much very enjoyable considering a major headache and eye pain after a short night's sleep; the ride was somewhat disappointing, but the decor is well-thoughtout, and I'm sure that my opinion of it will change for the better after reality sets in.)
- Cure for Road Rage (not listening to music helps me not road rage? I think so but it resembles taking naps... effective if I am able to get myself to do it)... a good-to-know nonetheless)
- Small Interaction with Jason (my across-the-street neighbor's a great guy and we've been meaning to spend some time together but the chance never really presented itself; it's been three years and him and his wife are moving to Germany soon, so being able to spend some time with him as he's preparing the house was satisfying in a way)
- Sunday Long Run (12 miles -- 5 out and back on 15K course, then a mile out and back from WP, with Loran, Dave, and Robin; another good run, though my stomach was particularly bad... still, those guys are great in pulling me through it)

TOP 3: Week of October 2-8, 2006

It seems like it was just yesterday that I was blogging my Top 3. The visit to Baltimore really sped things up, as did the fact that I hadn't worried myself with blogging my exercise during the visit -- I will though... RUN: ???, EXERCISE: step aerobics, and RACE: Army Ten-Miler, Washington DC @ 1:20:27... Anyways, to the Main Event of the moment:

1. Strawberry, Green Tea Melon, Mango Bars: fruit bars. Fruit bars seem to have been the theme of some happy times this week, whether it's over at DAK before the jungle parade, on the way home from Whole Foods with my sister, or after coming home from Chinese Dim Sum after running Ten Friggin' Miles... and each with little variation in texture - the strawberry had fruit all-throughout, the melon was icy, and the mango was creamy-smooth. Simple. Delicious. Good memories.

2. Air Company with Glennita and the Peruvian Father: good, cathartic conversations with complete strangers... just like confession, except without the creepiness about whether or not to mention masteurbation. (Did I step over the line?... oops and oh well, probably just myself ready to see Kathy Griffin Live at the King Center tomorrow... but I'm digressing). Anyways, these two people made me feel... a little less alone - empathy and some simple recognition, small efforts and results.

3. Hydration Practice with Michelle and David: Tuesday's practice had a some good social-interaction moments... Michelle caring and suggesting that I get hydrated, good communication with the coach, and feeling a budding friendship with David... nothing that I'm going to blow out of proportion but just wanted to acknowledge as pleasant after a rough and tired start; even though I didn't complete the entire practice (didn't run the 220s), this practice saw me run a 5:46 mile and a 1:16 quarter-mile.

Other notable events
- Army Ten-Miler with Cindy, Dougie, and John
- Chinese Dim Sum with Cindy, Freya, and Freya's parents (humbling)
- Gilmore Girls from Kristen
- Job Security from Cyn
- Cindy Likes My CD
- Fiona Apple and Ennio Morricone
- Outstanding TV Show of the Week: Heroes (runner-up: My Name Is Earl)

TOP 3: Week of September 25 - October 1, 2006

1. Heroes on NBC: this show has jumped right to the top of the chart for me due to its outstanding cast/characters and the expert handling of the story. Heroes is a refreshing breath of cool, clean Central Park airexhibiting not only a lot of spirit but a lot of thought and effort -- something missing in a lot of other once-popular shows ala Lost and Desperate Housewives. And after watching this week's episode, and my optimism for Heroes has been reinforced. Plus, and not to undermine any of my other arguments, Adrian Pasdar is hot.

2. Herb's Mad Dog Dinner Party: last Saturday, my friend Herb from Orlando threw a dinner party at his house. Much in advance, he had sent out invitations (through the US Postal Service, no less) and included a personalized "password" to get in -- an early indication that this wasn't going just going to be a typical "sit-down-and-eat" dinner party. My guest/escort for the event was my friend Emily. We met at my house, and first thing she asked was if she was going to be the only girl there. I didn't know. Sure enough, when we got there, it was her and nine gay guys. Herb had a good mix of people: three couples, four singles; and it was a wonderful surprise to see John and Michael there (who I've met through another mutual friend, David). As for the food, Herb went all out with course after course after course after course. In addition, we had a wine tasting and judging, an "epitome of surfer-dude" contest, and a vote on the most "photogenic" vegetable. This was Emily and my first Gay dinner party, and we both had a lot of fun. Great job, Herb!

3. Pictures from Mom: my mom went to Sam's Club, printed out some photos from her digital camera, and sent me some copies in the mail. I posted them on a previous blog entry (I miss my blonde faux-hawk). Anyways, I'm glad that mom's taking the time to go have some fun now that she's retired. She definitely deserves it (I wasn't an easy child to raise). She is an inspiration for me, and I do appreciate everything she's done for me growing up. She and dad have always been supportive; coming out to them was such a special experience. I miss them and plan on making the drive up to SC before the year's end and am hoping that they'll also be able to make the trip down to Florida.

Other notable events:
- The Living Room of Brevard monthly meeting: I got to hug my crush-turned-local-gay-role-model (I had to re-evaluate). Still, it was revitalizing to get some positive-reinforcement.
- Fall Into Winter 5k: waking up late and running for the sheer fact of running was good for me.
- EPCOT Food & Wine Festival: I got pictures of all the booths and menus, and rode most of the rides... in less than half-a-day, then went outlet mall shopping... got quite a bit out of my system.
- Running Camp "Rain & Shine": Tuesday dehydrated and friggin' scared that I was going to get struck by lightning; Thursday hitting my times, brisk and smiling.