Sunday, January 28, 2001

The flight back to Cali was uneventful. It afforded me the chance to think about the weekend that just passed. It was truly an incredible weekend on so many levels. I learned some things about my Gradpa that I didn't know before. Met with some very cool family and friends.

We were met at the airport by a van from the limousine service. Pops got us hooked. Called it in as soon as we touched down at LAX. Doesn't it pay to be a member? Go Pops! Today was also Super Bowl Sunday! Woohha!! My money was on the Ravens. I had no idea how they would do it, but I was hoping they would. Unfortunately I left to drive back to Santa Barbara right after halftime. I wanted to get back at a reasonable hour to get some sleep.

On the way home I stopped off at Dave and Eydie's to say s'up to the gang. Everyone was over there for their annual Super Bowl Party.

Finally home…time to crash…

Saturday, January 27, 2001

We went to church as a family and it was tight. My aunts, uncles, and all of my cousins were there. It was soo cool. The odd thing was woman there, seemed to, uh, "catch the spirit" every 90 seconds. At which point she would stand up, wave, and exalt some very passionate decree. I've always wondered how much of that is sincere with people, versus just show. For some it has to be sincere.

After church we all back to the house, and the inventorying continued! In all I discovered 4 new cousins and 4 new friends. Of the cousins there were that were there, there was: Bobbie, Donna, Ronnie, and Jenni; all brothers and sisters. Of the new friends were Roycelynn, Donna, Melody, and Tanya. One of the coolest thing about this 'discovery' was learning that all of them (save for Jenni cause she is only 15, but a wonderful musician) were college educated and very ambitious in their respective fields. Among there is an Accountant, Special Agent, Engineer, Technician and more. It was TIGHT! I can't begin to explain the feeling of not just pride, but 'familiarity' seems to be the most apropos word.

Donna (cousin) and I were in charge of the punch…which came out very well, even with a minor hitch. In searching for juices to use, I came across a can of Hawaiian Punch. From the outside this punch looked fine, but in pouring it out, it had turned color. Haha! Well, uh, some of this punch made it into main batch of punch. Thank goodness no one got sick!! Haha!

Later that night after closing the Sabbath and worship, Jenni got on the piano and started to play. People would request this or that song, and she handled it like a champ! Some time later the girls decided they wanted to perform just about EVERY song from The Sound of Music. Let me tell you, THEY ALL can sing…excuse me…they can saaang! Singing along was the 2 Donnas, Melody, Sherlita and Vernita (the twins). It was tight!

After that couple of them went and bought Taboo the board game. Damn that thing was fun! If you ever get the chance I highly recommend you play it! By the way, we won!! We spanked them like wicked, bucktooth children! Wooohaa!!

Later that night Bobbie, Donna, Jenni, Ronnie and their mom and dad had to leave for the 15 hour drive back to Tennessee. Gonna miss my peeps!

Friday, January 26, 2001

Day of the funeral. Yeesh. I was loathing this day for the longest time. The anxiety and sadness was written on everyone's face, but no one wanted to crack I think. Grandma came down and started to cry a little bit, and collectively we slipped a little. Outside of the house waited 2 Benz S500s, and a stretch Cadillac. I would have admired them more if the situation was different.

We got the church and we are all seated up front. Directly ahead is the casket. Thank God it was closed. The service was incredible. Sadness underscored the whole ceremony, however we weren't there to mourn my grandfather's passing or our loss. Rather we celebrated the life of an incredible person. People recanted the person he was…the funny things he said, the respect he commanded…it was more a celebration than anything else. It was awesome because people came from all over the US and even Jamaica for the service. A US Navy Admiral spoke, several ex-Presidents from the church conference came, in addition to many Pastors from the area. My grandfather was a Pastor in the Seventh Day Adventist Church for most of his life. Over the course of his ministry he did A LOT. From Central America, to California, Arizona, Pennsylvania, and finally Virginia. My father and Uncle Ramon both sang. Through out the ceremony I almost lost it several times. Donna sang while Jenni (her sister and both my cousins) played the organ. They made a bomb team!

I'm not sure what you call the part at the burial site, where they say whatever. After most people left and only the family remained, they opened the casket. I lost it. Everything I had tried so hard to suppress came welling up. Ended walking away to the fringes of the group to be alone. Uncle Ramon came and got me, but I was much more composed.

After that we went to another place to eat. Just about all the family was there. It was trip taking inventory, seeing who was related to whom and in what ways.

You'll be missed Grandpa…

Thursday, January 25, 2001

Today me, my father, his wife, and her mom and dad flew to Virginia for the funeral. This would be a good time to mention that neither my father nor his wife likes to fly. I totally felt their pain. One of the friends (Roycelynn) of the twins flew in around the same time we did…so we all SQUEEZED into 2 cars for the drive back to the house. Grandma, my twin aunts, oldest aunts, and my uncles were already there. Met up with my cousin Bobbie who I swear is almost the spitting image of me! Later that night the twins, Bobbie, Rocelynn and I went back to the airport to pick up another friend of theirs, Donna. Yup, it was another COZY ride back to the house. Donna decides she would put her foot through the armrest to make it easier on her…baaaad mistake. I started to take off her shoe…it's her fault, she should have known I would be tempted! Lol!

Wednesday, January 24, 2001

Tonight I drove into LA to fly out for Virginia the next morning to go to my grandfather's funeral. Before hitting LA, I stopped in Simi Valley to see my friend KC. She volunteered to help me out of a jam. It was interesting cause, she was in her..uh…natural state? Minimal make up, nails weren't done and she hadn't spend the usual amount of time she spends on her hair…lol! Don't get me wrong, she has gorgeous hair! There are some women that can easily do without make-up and stuff…she is one of them. VERY thick, slightly wavy hair, flawless skin…she's definitely a cutie!

Monday, January 22, 2001

Tonight my partner and I got the scene we are supposed to be acting out for our final. It's from "The Crying Game". It's, been years since I saw that movie, but the one thing I remember is some guy was seduced or something by cross dresser! This is NOT the scene we'll be doing!! Whew!! LOL! We did a dry reading and some interesting things came out of it. Well I have to, uh, well, hmm…curse a little. Those of you who know me, it's not something I do to often outside of my mind. Haha! Cami and Dave thought it amusing watching me stumble over "f-" and uh 'mofo' lol

Sunday, January 21, 2001

26 years ago, I breathed my first breaths on this lil blue orb in our solar system. Yeesh, I'm 26 now!! Ahhh!!! Lol! I got a couple of e-cards and phone calls from friends. Didn't really do anything major, but then again most of my birthdays are pretty low key.

Friday, January 19, 2001

Don't you love it when you have something planned and when it comes time to do it…something happens? My friends and I planned one of our group get togethers right? We were supposed to do a fish and chips type thing. Ok you're probably thinking why the hell would any one go through the hassle of making their own fish and chips when they could go to Brophy's or even the store and buy them frozen?? Well, I don't have an answer for ya, other than they should taste pretty damn good! Well, you know what they said about the best laid plans…

Well there were some fumes or something emanating from the sewers near the house where we were getting together. The blocks around the neighborhood were closed off!! Ooops!! Change of plans!! We ended up going to this cool little pizza joint in Goleta.

After dinner we went back to the house where I was surprised with a birthday ice cream pie and presents! Woohaa! I totally wasn't expecting it. Mollie, Max, and I were kicking it the loft when they came up with the stuff. Made me one happy camper!!

The standing joke of the night was, they were planning this for my birthday. Well the joke was…I was supposed to be the one cooking on the day we were going to celebrate my birthday! Lol!! Thanks guys!

Wednesday, January 17, 2001

My grandfather died today. This is my grandfather on my father's side. I didn't know him very well, but I wish I had known him better. How often have we made that statement about someone we've lost? We (my father and I) visited for Xmas once or twice, and he came out for my father's wedding about 2 years ago. He spoke with a wisdom only people his age had. On occasion he would recount the mischief his children (my father, my aunts and my uncles), and it would make you smile to know that parents weren't always perfect. From what I could gather he was a good and honorable man.

I once told a friend, that we should tell people things while we have the chance. I have since stopped talking to that friend, but did so by choice. It's a decision that I sometimes lament. The difference with her and my grandfather is we stopped talking over BS nonsense. She's moved on with her life and I mine. I miss her.

I miss my grandfather more. I didn't choose to stop talking to him. It would be awesome be great to have one last conversation with him…listen to him tell one more story…watch as his face light up as he laughed…watched how strong the love that he and my grandmother have, even after almost half a century of being married together…

Till next time, Grandpa…

Saturday, 1/13/01 (yet again another outing that spanned TWO days…haha)

It's been raining quite a bit these 2 weeks or so, but today we had a reprieve. It was a little overcast, but the sun peeked out the side of the clouds. Still, a crappy day on the central coast is like paradise other places in the country. Dang I was hurting after last night! Some people go to clubs and dance…Woohaa! Some go to drink and drink just too damn much. I mean you go to have fun right? Then you drink so much you can't even remember what the hell you did the night before…what's the point? Haha! Can someone please email me and tell me the appeal of living your life, but not being able to call upon any of those memories because of induced amnesia?? LOL!

Today was just chores and errand running mostly. My birthday is coming up (January 21) soon and I guess I better start embracing this "responsibility" thing before school is over….haha On the real…there are some things that come with growing up that I'm looking forward to having…money, dinero, greenbacks, mula…definitely being some of them! Investing, house, may be a nice ride, being able to help out in the family…I can definitely feel all that…

Today was the PhD. Graduation for some of the students at my job. One of them in particular is a cool friend. Congratulations Neils!! The theme of the party was 'Prom Night'. I didn't go to my Senior Prom and Beth and Cami both had crappy experiences, so this was like making up for those….haha! I went ina black suit replete with bow-tie (tight! Cami made and tied it) and cummerbund, Cami went in this elegant black backless number, and Beth who went in this bomb halter like/backless pinkish number. And YES there will be pictures later on…wooha!! I would be all too happy going with 2 FINE women, if they BOTH weren't married! Not to mention, at least one of their husbands owns a gun! Lol! Boy intellectuals can party!! And we had crazy fun! The night was not without its…um…interesting happening…haha! Here they are for your amusement:

1 - I got hit on no less than 10 minutes after having been there! I wouldn't have minded, but it was a guy!! And it ain't that kinda party! Lol! 100% heterosexual here! Later Cami was like, take it as a compliment…just because that's not my thing doesn't mean I should be offended. I see the merit in her argument. HOWEVER, after that Cami became my date for the night. If someone asked I was with her or she would say I was with her…haha! Also, through out the night there was some serious flirting (with the opposite sex! Lol), but my 'date' was forgiving…woohoo!

2 - Cami got all kinds of attention from the BOTH sexes…lol! If you saw this dress and her in it you would understand! I think the stats were: 20 'who is that' (because she doesn't work with Beth and I), 15 'that dress looks incredible' from different people, at least 1 person (allegedly female lol) grabbed her butt, and a number of what I call 'inquiries'…feel me? Lol!

3 - Although Beth was looking exceedingly nice in her dress, she couldn't dance like she wanted to. As a guy I can't appreciate her situation, but somehow she kept doing a 'tape check' with Cami…lol Beth if you read this don't be made at me!! I wub you!! You looked great!

Woohaa! Woohaa!!

Final thought: A little Springer-esque? Haha! On the real…people, dancing is just dancing! If a person agrees to dance with you, it doesn't give you license to grind them into ground chuck! Lol!! Especially if your real date is standing in eye shot, no less than 15 yards away from you, watching the whole thing and growing increasingly upset!! This goes for both men and women! Haha! And if you're the one initiating the madness, and you catch flack for your stupidity…it's totally on you and not the person you're trying to dry hump! Lol! End sermon.

Time to return to the real world or books, tests, projects and the like…

Friday, 1/12/01 (written at 3AM Saturday morning though!! Haha!)

Dumb question…if an evening spans 2 days…like you go out Friday night and come home early/late Saturday morning…is that a Saturday journal entry or a Friday journal entry? Things that make you go hmm…

Weeeelll…Week one of school is done. Like high school, the last months before graduation aren't going to be easy. Time for me to put up or shut up. However, it's the first weekend back in school and I refuse to stay home tonight!! Scooped up my girl Jennifer (friends here people, nothing going on lol) and we headed DT (downtown for the uninitiated haha). We went to Q's and played 2 of the LONGEST games of pool ever and proceeded to the dance floor. Now I'm not sure if it was the music or the Red Bull that I pounded before hitting the dance floor, but I was and still am hyped up!! On my way home I stopped by the 7/11 for my ritual snack and saw some Red Bull in the cooler and decided to read what was in it…DUDE!!! The thing has like 30 grams of carbohydrates, ANOTHER like 30 grams of sugar, AND caffeine is like the fourth ingredient! That stuff is off da hook!! My only other experience was watching one of the brown belts in Tae Kwon Do bounce off the walls after having drunk one…haha! The crash was just as funny as watching her on the high…lol

About my girl Jen…I've known her for about 2 years and she's a graduating senior at UCSB also. Too many facets to the personality to get into here…lol. We always joke about how she doesn't like the idea of dancing and what not. So I've been trying my damndest to get her to go with me. Finally got her to go, and the girl has some moves! Remember that line in Star Wars? "The force is strong with this one." LOL! She's a perfect example of when you go to just have fun and not worry about what other people are thinking, you have a great time. And we had crazy fun! Woooha!! On a side note…I was able to see her dressed up…haha! Another thing we joke about is that we don't see each other "out", as in dressed up. The girl has a lil sumthin' sumthin' going for her…lol. Don't get a big head Jen!!

There was this one girl dancing on one of the stages and she was off da hook! Had to tap her on the shoulder and giver her props! She had the crowd going!

If you have something that when you do it, you forget about your problems, issues, drama and what not, if only for a short while - I implore you to do it regularly! Be it dance, cook, drive (3 of my favorites), pray, read a book, take a long hike or bike ride…make the time to do it! Don't think of that time as wasted, but rather as a means to recharge to charge forth forcefully again and deal with the realities of life again. Your soul will thank you…

Nitey nite!!

Thursday, 1/11/01

Damn I love law! We have a cool professor Law in a Modern State. The guy commutes from frigging San Francisco!! And he has a case going before the Supreme Court next month…how tight is that? Looks like we got a good lecturer for a change…amen! MTV did a special on hate crime last night…people do some heinous crap and with the most BS justifications!! Think I'll be doing a paper on hate crime law for that class.

Work was tight. I was challenged and I was loving it!

Did I mention that I consult? On occasion people need assistance with this or that, and I go to their homes. The jobs are sometimes really hard or sometimes easy or just sometimes…REALLY laborious. Tonight I did some work for people who live in the foothills in this TIGHT house!! One side of the house is almost completely glass and overlooks Santa Barbara and the ocean. I want one! Woohaa!! PLUS it was raining…too bad I didn't have my camera…

By the way…Windows ME BLOWS!!! It sucks like you wouldn't believe!! I haven't tested it or anything officially, but both the situations I saw it perform…it just sucked!! Fresh installs crashing, programs that are supported not working, plug & PRAY…it's a friggin' joke!!

On the upside…the little Gateway Profile are soooo damn cute!! Small footprint, nice LCD screen…wish I had more time to play with it though…

Monday, 1/8/2001

My bloody refund check has YET to arrive from my financial aid!! I can't do squat until it comes! Can't buy books, permits, pay fees or anything…grrr!! The school has been paid, but I haven't…ain't that something? Haha

On that note…today was the first day of school. I'm feeling a mixture of happiness and exhaustion…haha!!

On a much happier note, Cami, Dave and I are taking an acting class. I have ALWAYS wanted to do something like this. There are some things that seem to be inherent in my personality, and being a performer is one of them. There have just been very few occasions for me to pursue this. In Tae Kwon Do we have to perform our 'katas' or forms in front of the class and that can be nerve racking. I also did a brief spot for the Food Network, while I was working HBO's Emmy party at Spago's. As "homework" we have to observe someone…what they're wearing, how they are behaving, etc. and come up with a story of that person given what we have observed…hmm…in some counties, isn't that called stalking??? Haha! This should prove to be a most interesting experience…

Saturday, 1/6/2001

I love the beautiful Southern California weather as much as the person, but every now and then it's good have a nice overcast, cold and dreary sort of day. Today was one of those, and I was totally feeling it. Went to the Camino Reale shopping center, bought a book and late X-mas present for my roomies, got a smoothie, and planted myself on a bench. I read and sipped my smoothie like no one else was around me. The chill in the air was perfect and there was no wind whatsoever…nice!

In the evening, went over to John and Cami's for a game night. Dave, Eydie, Beth and Sam came over we all got stuffed on Chinese food (Madam Lu's is some good stuff!!!) Max is doing great, so I had to give a couple of Charlie Horses for good measure. Mollie seems to have lost some serious weight…you go girl!! I'm officially jealous! Lol! We played this game called 'Guesstures' which turned out to be a timed and really hard version of charades…lol.

Friday, 1/5/2001

Went to Q's and danced till the place closed…talk about those dancing 'vultures You ever felt like you NEEDED to dance? This is the main reason why I go to clubs…for the loud music, chance to sweat, and get sore from a wholelotta booty-shaking (would you believe that the spell check suggest I put those last 2 words together??? Lol) going on!

Tonight was one of those nights. I didn't want to deal with the anyone's drama (my own included)…just wanted to go out and feel the bass in my ear, my legs starting to cramp as I dance, feeling the energy of the crowd added to mine…now that's my idea of a high!

Thursday, 1/4/2001

Good to be back in SB!! Went out tonight with my Czech friend and did major catching up. We hadn't talked in about 2 months, but it was good seeing her again. After dinner we saw "Cast Away" and for the most part the movie was tight, however!!! The ending sucked big time! Stories where the character(s) forced to make do with whatever they have around them to survive is incredibly appealing to me. Stories like Swiss Family Robinson, Mysterious Island, and Robinson Crusoe come to mind. Whether or not I could survive in such a situation…I really don't know, but I would sure love to prepare and try. And even if I had to, I would survive.