2007 Year end wrap up
Yup, it’s time for another one of these.
The year started out quite well. There were a lot of good things happening for me both personally and professionally during the beginning of the year. The year was really starting out exactly how I would’ve wanted to start the year. There was a sense of excitement in the air.
Of course, as things often happen to me, it was all just a tease. It was probably not even after the first quarter of the year. Things just deteriorated and got increasingly worse. Pretty soon, I was too busy putting out fires rather than being able to plan ahead.
I had a trip in the middle of the year that I was really looking foward to. It was going to be my first getaway in quite a while and in a place that I hope I can move to eventually. That didn't turn out so good.
Next thing you know, the year was slipping past me.
I made for a big play at the beginning of the fourth quarter. I don’t know what I was thinking. It was a desperate move. I have been so upset with myself for putting myself in that position where there was a very unlikely success rate. I knew that. I still went for it in a moment of weakness. I am quite embarrassed that I would even try something like that when I know it's not really what I wanted. It's just pathetic. I hope I never do this again.
I’m still having problems with being old. I’ve probably mentioned this. It’s not the age that I have a problem with. It’s with the fact that I have no direction. No plan like I’ve had for the last few decades. I don’t know what the next step is. That pains me and puts me in a very uncomfortable place. I was really hoping to be able to develop a plan with someone that would involve us for the rest of our lives.
So here we are. End of the year. Objectively judging, this was a big waste of a year. Nothing happened that advanced anything. Only things I can see is mistakes after mistakes all year long. I had better not repeat this year in 2008.
Being goal oriented, here’re some things I will do /have planned this coming year:
Be in Summer league shape by the time Spring league begins
Finish revision of sci-fi Movie Script
Finish writing romantic comedy movie script
Don’t let the chances slip away. Take that chance, make something happen even if it doesn’t turn out
Do something new -personal skill-wise
Have a year that I would be proud of at the end of the year
Go out of the country - 2x if possible
Make a short term (2-3 year) plan by end of March
Here’s to a good year.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
First Choice
I know this sounds a bit conceited and/or perhaps narcissistic, but I don’t think it’s that much to ask. Most everyone has at least one. Many people have many. I’m just looking for one.
What I’m asking is just to be someone’s first choice. When they think about a situation or maybe wanting to do something, is it so much to want them to think of me first?
That’s all I really want. I don’t think that’s smothering or anything stupid like that. I think it’s nice and the way it should be. You don’t have to do everything with the other person, but they should be your first thought when something comes up.
I want someone to think of me first when they get some good news. I want someone to think of me first when they have bad news to share. When you just want to chat aimlessly, I’d like to be that person that you go to.
I don’t get it. Am I that bad that I can’t make the tops list for anyone? Hell, I don’t think I make the top 5 list for anyone I know.
For once, I’d just like to be someone’s first choice.
I know this sounds a bit conceited and/or perhaps narcissistic, but I don’t think it’s that much to ask. Most everyone has at least one. Many people have many. I’m just looking for one.
What I’m asking is just to be someone’s first choice. When they think about a situation or maybe wanting to do something, is it so much to want them to think of me first?
That’s all I really want. I don’t think that’s smothering or anything stupid like that. I think it’s nice and the way it should be. You don’t have to do everything with the other person, but they should be your first thought when something comes up.
I want someone to think of me first when they get some good news. I want someone to think of me first when they have bad news to share. When you just want to chat aimlessly, I’d like to be that person that you go to.
I don’t get it. Am I that bad that I can’t make the tops list for anyone? Hell, I don’t think I make the top 5 list for anyone I know.
For once, I’d just like to be someone’s first choice.
Monday, December 17, 2007
A Pup-mas Party
This last Saturday, I finally got around to having another party at my place. I haven’t had one since I moved in about 15 months ago. The housewarming was 2 weeks from when I moved in. Then 15 months. For me, that’s quite a while to go without a party.
The party went very well from what I remembered. The food was great thanks to A who did most of the preparing. I did have my secret recipe that I stole from Jamie that got everyone drooling and begging for more. The oh so delicious bacon wrapped smokies in brown sugar. I’m telling you, those things are more addictive than crack. Like bacon wrapped crack. Mmmmm
The Wii was a big hit as expected. It’s games are easy to learn and with 4 controllers, that’s a good time for all.
But the good times weren’t just in the living room. No, the good times was in the dining room too where we were playing drinking roulette. In case you’ve never seen it, it’s a roulette wheel with 6 shot glasses. The numbers are spilt into the 6 shot glasses. If the ball lands in your shot glass number, you have to take the shot.
This is a very dangerous game. I don’t think I’ve ever played this without some major consequences. Luckily, I know which shot glasses to take now so I’m not taking the shots (for some reasons it never hits certain numbers).
The crowd wasn’t that big, about 15-20 people, but they did very well in the alcohol category. Through the night we finished:
1 bottle of Vodka
1 bottle of Jack
1 bottle of Tequila
½ bottle of Jager
½ bottle of Gin
about 16 beers
Not too shabby.
As expected, I don’t remember much about the end of the party. I’m not that responsible when it comes to partying at my house.
I am glad that everyone came out. My suburban friends, of course Tricia who I will never have a party without, and even my neighbors who turned out to be very fun. I know these parties are going to become more and more rare. Hopefully, this will get me through for another 15 months.
This last Saturday, I finally got around to having another party at my place. I haven’t had one since I moved in about 15 months ago. The housewarming was 2 weeks from when I moved in. Then 15 months. For me, that’s quite a while to go without a party.
The party went very well from what I remembered. The food was great thanks to A who did most of the preparing. I did have my secret recipe that I stole from Jamie that got everyone drooling and begging for more. The oh so delicious bacon wrapped smokies in brown sugar. I’m telling you, those things are more addictive than crack. Like bacon wrapped crack. Mmmmm
The Wii was a big hit as expected. It’s games are easy to learn and with 4 controllers, that’s a good time for all.
But the good times weren’t just in the living room. No, the good times was in the dining room too where we were playing drinking roulette. In case you’ve never seen it, it’s a roulette wheel with 6 shot glasses. The numbers are spilt into the 6 shot glasses. If the ball lands in your shot glass number, you have to take the shot.
This is a very dangerous game. I don’t think I’ve ever played this without some major consequences. Luckily, I know which shot glasses to take now so I’m not taking the shots (for some reasons it never hits certain numbers).
The crowd wasn’t that big, about 15-20 people, but they did very well in the alcohol category. Through the night we finished:
1 bottle of Vodka
1 bottle of Jack
1 bottle of Tequila
½ bottle of Jager
½ bottle of Gin
about 16 beers
Not too shabby.
As expected, I don’t remember much about the end of the party. I’m not that responsible when it comes to partying at my house.
I am glad that everyone came out. My suburban friends, of course Tricia who I will never have a party without, and even my neighbors who turned out to be very fun. I know these parties are going to become more and more rare. Hopefully, this will get me through for another 15 months.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
What would you choose?
I think I've posted this before, but in case I haven't.
Answer in the comments!
A spouse that was horribly ugly when people around and gorgeous when you’re alone,
Or
A spouse that was gorgeous when you’re with other people, but horribly ugly when you’re alone?
Your spouse gets into a car accident, would you rather
Their face be scarred and had to be reconstructed to something completely different,
Or,
Their body injured to the point where you have to help them move for the rest of their lives?
Your spouse be extremely nice and sweet to you, but nasty to everyone else
Or,
You spouse be nice and sweet to everyone else, but generally disagreeable to you?
You spouse be very attractive and openly flirts with everyone that she meets
Or,
You spouse be less attractive and is cold to everyone?
Be someone that was unable to sleep
Or,
Be someone that was unable to stay awake?
Your spouse never drinks and nags at you for drinking
Or
Your spouse that binges every weekend?
I think I've posted this before, but in case I haven't.
Answer in the comments!
A spouse that was horribly ugly when people around and gorgeous when you’re alone,
Or
A spouse that was gorgeous when you’re with other people, but horribly ugly when you’re alone?
Your spouse gets into a car accident, would you rather
Their face be scarred and had to be reconstructed to something completely different,
Or,
Their body injured to the point where you have to help them move for the rest of their lives?
Your spouse be extremely nice and sweet to you, but nasty to everyone else
Or,
You spouse be nice and sweet to everyone else, but generally disagreeable to you?
You spouse be very attractive and openly flirts with everyone that she meets
Or,
You spouse be less attractive and is cold to everyone?
Be someone that was unable to sleep
Or,
Be someone that was unable to stay awake?
Your spouse never drinks and nags at you for drinking
Or
Your spouse that binges every weekend?
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Good Call Award
This week’s Good Call award goes to the Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir. Way to stand up after the extremist called for the execution of a teacher because she let a kid name their teddy bear Mohammed.
It’s one thing to be religious and to believe in the teachings of your lord. However, there is a point where you need to have common sense. Killing a person, who not only did not know this is such a sin, but also apologized profusely for her actions, would not put you or your believes in such good light. If your job is to spread the word of your God, this would be an example of how NOT to do it.
All you people that have called for this execution really need both an education and a job. I promise you anyone with an education and a job would not be out there in the streets demanding a teacher be killed. Imagine how silly that would look on your outlook calendar.
12-1pm – protest death of teacher.
Not that you would read this, but if you do, don’t be thinking that I’m hating on your religion or somehow making fun of your God and faith. No, I’m cool and respect that.
I am hating on you. Yea, YOU the person. The pathetic ignorant ass can’t get no job naïve worthless piece of crap. I hate you. Don’t make it out to anything bigger. No. You I hate. You. Just you. You are a waste. The you that I think isn’t worth to share the same air as the rest of the sensible population.
Anyway, good call to you Mr. President.
This week’s Good Call award goes to the Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir. Way to stand up after the extremist called for the execution of a teacher because she let a kid name their teddy bear Mohammed.
It’s one thing to be religious and to believe in the teachings of your lord. However, there is a point where you need to have common sense. Killing a person, who not only did not know this is such a sin, but also apologized profusely for her actions, would not put you or your believes in such good light. If your job is to spread the word of your God, this would be an example of how NOT to do it.
All you people that have called for this execution really need both an education and a job. I promise you anyone with an education and a job would not be out there in the streets demanding a teacher be killed. Imagine how silly that would look on your outlook calendar.
12-1pm – protest death of teacher.
Not that you would read this, but if you do, don’t be thinking that I’m hating on your religion or somehow making fun of your God and faith. No, I’m cool and respect that.
I am hating on you. Yea, YOU the person. The pathetic ignorant ass can’t get no job naïve worthless piece of crap. I hate you. Don’t make it out to anything bigger. No. You I hate. You. Just you. You are a waste. The you that I think isn’t worth to share the same air as the rest of the sensible population.
Anyway, good call to you Mr. President.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Friday, November 30, 2007
You know you’re old when…
I was at Toys R Us tonight buying some toys for ‘Toys for Tots’. It’s my annual ‘I can’t buy toys for me anymore, but I still like buying toys trip’. I remember hearing on the radio that they especially needed toys for 10-12 yr olds.
When I was wandering around the store, I noticed that I was actually reading the labels on the toys to see what age certain toys are for. You know who does that? Old people. Old people who doesn’t know what’s going on.
I know you don’t think this seems like a big deal. It might even seem like a good thing that I don’t know what 10-12 yr olds play with. Well it’s not. It’s just more proof that I’m old.
The only thing that made me happy was the fact that I could buy any toy in the toy store. A kid can’t do that.
I was at Toys R Us tonight buying some toys for ‘Toys for Tots’. It’s my annual ‘I can’t buy toys for me anymore, but I still like buying toys trip’. I remember hearing on the radio that they especially needed toys for 10-12 yr olds.
When I was wandering around the store, I noticed that I was actually reading the labels on the toys to see what age certain toys are for. You know who does that? Old people. Old people who doesn’t know what’s going on.
I know you don’t think this seems like a big deal. It might even seem like a good thing that I don’t know what 10-12 yr olds play with. Well it’s not. It’s just more proof that I’m old.
The only thing that made me happy was the fact that I could buy any toy in the toy store. A kid can’t do that.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
Pup’s Movie Corner
Today we will review the movie Hitman
Based on a video game (sheese, can people not get any original ideas here? I’ve got a script that’s ready. You just need to ask.), Hitman is definitely targeting a specific group of audience with this movie. The target group that likes lots of people getting shot, fancy clothing, and a very hot Russian girl.
There’s really not much to this movie. If you’ve seen the Bourne Identity, this is pretty much the exact same movie. The Hitman does dress better than Bourne though.
I know this is really not much of a review, but there really isn’t that much that stands out in this movie. There’s nothing there that hasn’t been done, or seen.
I would hope that if you decide to go see this movie, you’re not thinking that it would challenge your mind or this is a movie that will change the world or that this would be an Oscar contender. If you get all those thoughts out of your head and just expect a movie with a lot of people getting shot in flashy ways and a gorgeous Russian girl, then I think you’ll have a good time.
Rating: 3 Paws (out of 5)
Today we will review the movie Hitman
Based on a video game (sheese, can people not get any original ideas here? I’ve got a script that’s ready. You just need to ask.), Hitman is definitely targeting a specific group of audience with this movie. The target group that likes lots of people getting shot, fancy clothing, and a very hot Russian girl.
There’s really not much to this movie. If you’ve seen the Bourne Identity, this is pretty much the exact same movie. The Hitman does dress better than Bourne though.
I know this is really not much of a review, but there really isn’t that much that stands out in this movie. There’s nothing there that hasn’t been done, or seen.
I would hope that if you decide to go see this movie, you’re not thinking that it would challenge your mind or this is a movie that will change the world or that this would be an Oscar contender. If you get all those thoughts out of your head and just expect a movie with a lot of people getting shot in flashy ways and a gorgeous Russian girl, then I think you’ll have a good time.
Rating: 3 Paws (out of 5)
Monday, November 19, 2007
Pup’s Movie Corner
Today we will review the movie Beowulf.
Based on a just a poem (albeit quite long), Hollywood managed to make this into a full length movie. To make things more interesting, they made a good part of the movie fully CGI. While it was interesting watching part of the movie completely in CGI and almost like a game, I went to the theaters to watch a movie, not to watch the intro to a game.
The movie itself was fine. The plot was simple enough. Men can’t resist the hotness that is Angelina Jolie and they’re pretty much cursed forever. I’m not quite sure how they got a PG-13 rating on this. Not that I’m complaining, but there was a lot of nudity going on (don’t worry ladies, there is male nudity too). Even if it’s supposed to be digital nudity, it was still nudity.
So here’s my problem with the movie. It doesn’t have that much to do with the movie itself. I have more of a problem with the idea of Beowulf as a ‘hero’. For in my mind, he is no hero at all and that kinda ruins the movie for me.
Beowulf fought for personal glory. He fought for the sake for fighting. He fought so that his legend would grow, so that there would be stories told about him. Everything he did was about him wanting to be glorified and show off that he’s better than others.
I understand that this problem is strictly my own issue. Beowulf is just not my idea of a hero. Sounds silly but a hero is a hero because they didn’t want to be a hero in the first place. Heroes are people who are put in or fall into a difficult situation and they perform above and beyond themselves and what others would have done. Heroes only fight when necessary and fight for a purpose/goal greater than themselves. That is the definition of a hero and the complete opposite of Beowulf.
Given the choice, a hero would never have wanted to be a hero. That’s what makes them so great. They rise when they have to, when no one else would. They rise to protect. They fight when necessary, but only as a last resort.
Perhaps I’m being too critical about this. I think most people will enjoy Beowulf. It’s a fun movie to watch with a very interesting obvert use of CGI and good special effects. However, I regard my idea of a hero quite highly. Beowulf contradicts every idea I have for a hero and I believe I was too caught up on that to enjoy the movie.
Rating: 2 Paws (out of 5)
Today we will review the movie Beowulf.
Based on a just a poem (albeit quite long), Hollywood managed to make this into a full length movie. To make things more interesting, they made a good part of the movie fully CGI. While it was interesting watching part of the movie completely in CGI and almost like a game, I went to the theaters to watch a movie, not to watch the intro to a game.
The movie itself was fine. The plot was simple enough. Men can’t resist the hotness that is Angelina Jolie and they’re pretty much cursed forever. I’m not quite sure how they got a PG-13 rating on this. Not that I’m complaining, but there was a lot of nudity going on (don’t worry ladies, there is male nudity too). Even if it’s supposed to be digital nudity, it was still nudity.
So here’s my problem with the movie. It doesn’t have that much to do with the movie itself. I have more of a problem with the idea of Beowulf as a ‘hero’. For in my mind, he is no hero at all and that kinda ruins the movie for me.
Beowulf fought for personal glory. He fought for the sake for fighting. He fought so that his legend would grow, so that there would be stories told about him. Everything he did was about him wanting to be glorified and show off that he’s better than others.
I understand that this problem is strictly my own issue. Beowulf is just not my idea of a hero. Sounds silly but a hero is a hero because they didn’t want to be a hero in the first place. Heroes are people who are put in or fall into a difficult situation and they perform above and beyond themselves and what others would have done. Heroes only fight when necessary and fight for a purpose/goal greater than themselves. That is the definition of a hero and the complete opposite of Beowulf.
Given the choice, a hero would never have wanted to be a hero. That’s what makes them so great. They rise when they have to, when no one else would. They rise to protect. They fight when necessary, but only as a last resort.
Perhaps I’m being too critical about this. I think most people will enjoy Beowulf. It’s a fun movie to watch with a very interesting obvert use of CGI and good special effects. However, I regard my idea of a hero quite highly. Beowulf contradicts every idea I have for a hero and I believe I was too caught up on that to enjoy the movie.
Rating: 2 Paws (out of 5)
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Look what I just got...
I was at Target going to get batteries, some birthday cards and a new bottle of Mr. Clean. I love that Mr. Clean. Have I ever told you? It doesn't work any better than any of the other products, but I sure do like using Mr. Clean. I think I feel better cause I think he's there cleaning with me. It's more fun when you and Mr. Clean are cleaning and singing to songs on the radio. Ok, that might be TMI..
Anyway.
So I walked by the electronic section and there it was. I didn't believe it when I first saw it. I thought it was just for display. Then I saw a lady come up and ask to buy one. I started freaking a bit. There was 2 left in the display case. I tried to be calm and pick out my birthday cards, but my mind was elsewhere. I kept staring at the case with the Wii.
What do I do? What do I do? As you may or may not know, I'm not good with randomly spending money. Not that this would be random, but it was not in the plans for today. I was there for batteries, cards, and Mr. Clean. All of which I had coupons for. That's right. Coupons. Suck it.
Then I saw another dreaded thing. A guy with his daughter going up to the counter and asking to buy the Wii. OMG. They're going to run out before my eyes. I have no time to make the decision.
I made an executive decision. I went over there very hesistently. I asked for the Wii. The sales guy gave me a nodd of approval and said 'right on'. He seriously said that. Strangely, that made me feel a lot better.
Now I'm sitting here with a Wii. Part of me wants to hold it and sell it (the cheapest price on Amazon is $383), but part of me wants to bust it out and start playing it.
I think you guys all think this is a no brainer, but it's not for me. I know what is probably the right decision, but it's hard to do it. You don't need to tell me I'm crazy.
Guess I'll go and think about it...
Monday, November 05, 2007
Weekend Update
This weekend, at the expense of the annual They Might be Giants concert that I always attend, End of fall season Ultimate tournament, and some good football time, I went to San Antonio to hang out with some friends and attend the wedding of an old college friend.
- I finally went and saw the Alamo this trip. It had been eluding me all these times when I’ve been down there. It was very interesting as I’m a big fan of historical war sites. At the site there was someone who told the story of what happened at the Alamo and a lot of the history leading to it. The legend behind the Alamo was definitely more glamorous than what had actually happened. For example, the battle only took 90min. It wasn’t days of holding the fort as many movies would lead you to believe.
- Went to happy hour with my friend’s wife’s coworkers. Nothing like starting to drink at 3:30pm. I should work for that company. I found out some very interesting thing about one of the coworkers that I’ve met a few times before. So this coworker, who is quite attractive, like turning head attractive, knows Pi to the 20th digit or something. She also has a Pi tattoo and graduated with a Physics degree. Seriously, when does that happen? The mix of beauty AND a Geek.
- Not everything’s bigger in Texas. I had some of the most pathetic pours of Jack and Cokes ever. Nashville still wins for the best pours. I don’t think they even put coke in my drinks.
- This was the 3rd totally secular wedding ceremony that I’ve ever been to. I love it so much more than the religious weddings. They actually talked about and focused on how much the bride and groom loved each other without having some diversion to God or something silly. Seriously, take a back seat today. This is their day, not yours. Back the fuck off. It’s not always about you. FYI, I make this comment to religious PEOPLE, not to the actual ‘God’ cause I’m sure he/sure would be cool about just sitting back during the ceremony and dancing to ‘I want you to want me’ during the reception.
- If I ever get married, I would like to do the whole Have Nagila thing. That is some fun stuff.
- I had one of the most delicious appetizers ever. It was potato strings that wrapped around a shrimp and lightly fried. It was crispy on the outside with a soft shrimp on the inside. Yum!
- Thumbs up to the bridesmaids at this wedding. They all danced a lot, and danced very well. Very awesome.
- Everyone went back to the hotel for the after party. Now that was fun. They brought back all the left over alcohol so we can now pour my own. Good times ensued.
- The second amazing woman I met during this trip. This woman was hilarious. She too was very geeky in that she talked a lot of video games. She named her cats from Harry Potter. Somehow we got to throwing signs with our hands. She was trying to show me how to do the Vulcan hand sign which I cannot do to save my life. Then it lead to gang signs, which I cannot do as well. She finally said ‘You can’t do geek or gang! I can’t work with this!!’
- This same woman is rail thin. However, she has one of the biggest appetites I’ve ever seen. I can’t even describe to you how much she ate during the after party. She talked about how she has to eat every couple of hours. Her friends all confirmed this and actually said that she’s eating a little less now. That is crazy. All I know is that she has a very understanding boyfriend cause he has to keep the fridge stocked and cook her food all the time. Funny enough they live only about 5 miles from me. I’ll definitely have to give them a call.
- This wedding concludes the 2007 wedding season for me. Later, I’ll write about the 2nd one that I went to where a real life Sgt Pepper marching band appeared after the wedding ceremony. It was something to see. Definitely in the tops list for things I’ve seen at a wedding.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
What if...
The night was dark with only the moonlight to guide their way. The two rushed to stay in the shadows. They know there were not safe. They were being hunted. Every second away from the room meant being exposed in the open. They would be no match for their hunters. Running and hiding was the only way. They must reach the room. The room their only salvation.
The two rushed pass the abandoned building and into an alley. The surrounding buildings blocked the moonlight completely. The alley was so dark the two can no longer see each other. The two continued to walk down the alley, but unable to see, they let their hands be their guide. Feeling one brick at a time, moving as fast and as quietly as they can around the building. They know the others would not be impeded by something as trivial as darkness.
Scratch. In the darkness, her hand felt against a metal door. She breathed a quick sign of relief at the discovery of the door. Scratch. Scratch. He gently pushed open the rusty door to gain entrance. It was all still pitch dark. They were not sure this is the way, but anything is better than staying out there.
A flickering light lit the hallway of the room they entered. She may have cracked half a smile if she wasn’t so exhausted. This is the where they were headed for. This is where the room and their safety would be. He grabbed her hand and they rushed up the stairs. The moonlight shines down on them as they pass the windows. With each passing, their excitement built. They know they’re close. Close to the room.
They got off on the 7th floor and headed straight to room 251. They were finally there. Looking at a door never made anyone so happy. She took off her necklace and revealed a key that’s been around her neck. She fumbles to put the key into the lock. She finally managed to put in the key and with a quick flick of her wrist, nothing happened.
The key did not turn.
There were too many thoughts going through her head. She had to use every ounce of her will to not scream. She could not stop thinking, the key doesn’t work. The key doesn’t work.
It seemed like a life time had pass, but it wasn’t even half a second. Her mind was no longer useful, the shock of the key had taken over. Scratch. Almost instinctively, her hand turned the key the other way. The clicking sound of the door unlocking snapped her back to reality in an instant. The thoughts all instantly fade away as joy took over.
They arrived. In this room they knew they would be safe. They’ve made it.
“You’re safe now. I’m glad to be able to deliver you to the room without harm.”
“Thank you so much. He will be very happy to know what you have done for me. I owe you my..….”
He could not react fast enough as he watched her bloodied body fall slowly to the floor. He looked at her and he was unable to speak. He had failed her and he had failed him. He could only look out at the window where everything so suddenly ended.
A loud thud could be heard as he crashed through the door. There he saw a dozen men, all armed with bows pointing out a window. They didn’t even flinch at his deafening entrance. He had hoped they would notice, hoping they would focus on him. No, these men were professionals. They knew their job and nothing would sway them.
He tried to get to them, to stop them. He knew what they were aiming at. There just wasn’t enough time. Before he could make a move, he could hear the strings spring loose from their master’s grips. The arrows ready to deliver its one message to its target.
He knew. It was over. His dreams with her passed as quickly as the arrows reached their targets. There was nothing now. Nothing for him.
As quickly as the arrows were released, two men came swiftly through the door behind him. They knew too as soon as they entered the room. The assassins had done their job. They were too late and they had failed to protect her.
“I owe you my…”, she tried to finish her sentence but was interrupted as an arrow broke through the window with a loud crash. The first arrow found her heart with indiscriminate accuracy. The arrow was followed by a dozen of its friends as they all hit their targets. She fell slowly to the floor. Before darkness took over, she was able to look out the window. She saw him there. She knew he had tried as hard as he could, as did all his friends. All for her.
Scratch. Her sight was clouding over as the end drew closer. She looked out the window one last time. She saw the sadness in his eyes. She smiled one last time. Hoping that he would see. Hoping that he would see that she knew and appreciated everything.
His hand drew close to his weapon. There were no words to describe his feelings. He had lost the only thing worth protecting.
He muttered lowly, “Kill them. Kill them all.”
The night was dark with only the moonlight to guide their way. The two rushed to stay in the shadows. They know there were not safe. They were being hunted. Every second away from the room meant being exposed in the open. They would be no match for their hunters. Running and hiding was the only way. They must reach the room. The room their only salvation.
The two rushed pass the abandoned building and into an alley. The surrounding buildings blocked the moonlight completely. The alley was so dark the two can no longer see each other. The two continued to walk down the alley, but unable to see, they let their hands be their guide. Feeling one brick at a time, moving as fast and as quietly as they can around the building. They know the others would not be impeded by something as trivial as darkness.
Scratch. In the darkness, her hand felt against a metal door. She breathed a quick sign of relief at the discovery of the door. Scratch. Scratch. He gently pushed open the rusty door to gain entrance. It was all still pitch dark. They were not sure this is the way, but anything is better than staying out there.
A flickering light lit the hallway of the room they entered. She may have cracked half a smile if she wasn’t so exhausted. This is the where they were headed for. This is where the room and their safety would be. He grabbed her hand and they rushed up the stairs. The moonlight shines down on them as they pass the windows. With each passing, their excitement built. They know they’re close. Close to the room.
They got off on the 7th floor and headed straight to room 251. They were finally there. Looking at a door never made anyone so happy. She took off her necklace and revealed a key that’s been around her neck. She fumbles to put the key into the lock. She finally managed to put in the key and with a quick flick of her wrist, nothing happened.
The key did not turn.
There were too many thoughts going through her head. She had to use every ounce of her will to not scream. She could not stop thinking, the key doesn’t work. The key doesn’t work.
It seemed like a life time had pass, but it wasn’t even half a second. Her mind was no longer useful, the shock of the key had taken over. Scratch. Almost instinctively, her hand turned the key the other way. The clicking sound of the door unlocking snapped her back to reality in an instant. The thoughts all instantly fade away as joy took over.
They arrived. In this room they knew they would be safe. They’ve made it.
“You’re safe now. I’m glad to be able to deliver you to the room without harm.”
“Thank you so much. He will be very happy to know what you have done for me. I owe you my..….”
He could not react fast enough as he watched her bloodied body fall slowly to the floor. He looked at her and he was unable to speak. He had failed her and he had failed him. He could only look out at the window where everything so suddenly ended.
A loud thud could be heard as he crashed through the door. There he saw a dozen men, all armed with bows pointing out a window. They didn’t even flinch at his deafening entrance. He had hoped they would notice, hoping they would focus on him. No, these men were professionals. They knew their job and nothing would sway them.
He tried to get to them, to stop them. He knew what they were aiming at. There just wasn’t enough time. Before he could make a move, he could hear the strings spring loose from their master’s grips. The arrows ready to deliver its one message to its target.
He knew. It was over. His dreams with her passed as quickly as the arrows reached their targets. There was nothing now. Nothing for him.
As quickly as the arrows were released, two men came swiftly through the door behind him. They knew too as soon as they entered the room. The assassins had done their job. They were too late and they had failed to protect her.
“I owe you my…”, she tried to finish her sentence but was interrupted as an arrow broke through the window with a loud crash. The first arrow found her heart with indiscriminate accuracy. The arrow was followed by a dozen of its friends as they all hit their targets. She fell slowly to the floor. Before darkness took over, she was able to look out the window. She saw him there. She knew he had tried as hard as he could, as did all his friends. All for her.
Scratch. Her sight was clouding over as the end drew closer. She looked out the window one last time. She saw the sadness in his eyes. She smiled one last time. Hoping that he would see. Hoping that he would see that she knew and appreciated everything.
His hand drew close to his weapon. There were no words to describe his feelings. He had lost the only thing worth protecting.
He muttered lowly, “Kill them. Kill them all.”
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Finally...After 12 years or so of playing Ultimate, I finally did 1 of the 2 rarest feats in all of Ultimate this last weekend. I'm not sure how it's actually spelled, but it's called a 'Callihand'. I know, me not knowing how to spell something. Big suprise.
A Callihand is when the other team has possession of the disc. Somehow the defender intercepts the disc and lands in the end zone. So basically, intercepting in the end zone for a score. This very rarely happens for a number of reasons. Too many actually for me to go into, but you can probably figure it out yourself.
We were playing a 3x3x1 zone and I was in the cup. It was a great pull that gave the cup time to set up. By the time we got there they still had the disc at the goal line. They swung the disc around a few times. The disc was going back to the center handler. It was a little high, but completely catchable. Just as he was about to grab it, a puff of air blew the disc up. He tipped the disc in the air instead of catching it.
We both jumped for the disc and I came down with the disc in the end zone.
Score.
Damn I'm smooth.
PS - The disc at the top is a disc design for the Vancouver ultimate league that I randomly played pick-up with when I was there earlier this year. Yes, I was randomly wander around Vancouver and found an Ultimate game. Geeky I know.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Rest in Peace Dear Cleo
I just go news that Cleo, with whom I lived with for a couple of years during grad school has passed due to brain cancer.
I’ll always remember you for being much bigger in life than you were in actual size. Your barks to greet me at the door were always welcomed and very much appreciated.
We’ll miss you Cleo.
I just go news that Cleo, with whom I lived with for a couple of years during grad school has passed due to brain cancer.
I’ll always remember you for being much bigger in life than you were in actual size. Your barks to greet me at the door were always welcomed and very much appreciated.
We’ll miss you Cleo.
Friday, October 05, 2007
Who’s with me?!!!!!!
I just had 2 kick ass Halloween ideas from my dream last night.
Kick ass idea 1:
I need to get a small group of people, I’m thinking 8 to 12. This group will dress up like a scene in a horror movie. Perhaps half can be monsters and the other half victims, maybe some chainsaw yielding people, or maybe just all aliens. It’s open really, just need to have a theme.
The group will travel around town and hold a pose/ scene for a certain period of time. I’m thinking like 15 min max.
Ohhhh… that’d be so much fun and freaken awesome!!!
Kick ass idea 2:
You know how there was a thing with flash mobs a while ago? Where through IM/internet people are told to show up at a specific area and form a flash mob?
Same concept. Except it’s a flash ZOMBIE mob.
I don’t know how to get people involved in this flash mob thing, I’m not young and in the hip crowd. Wouldn’t it be totally awesome to have a bunch of zombie all showing up at one place? It’ll be just like the movies/10 years from now.
Flash zombie mob!!!!
OMG. Just thinking about it gets me excited.
I just had 2 kick ass Halloween ideas from my dream last night.
Kick ass idea 1:
I need to get a small group of people, I’m thinking 8 to 12. This group will dress up like a scene in a horror movie. Perhaps half can be monsters and the other half victims, maybe some chainsaw yielding people, or maybe just all aliens. It’s open really, just need to have a theme.
The group will travel around town and hold a pose/ scene for a certain period of time. I’m thinking like 15 min max.
Ohhhh… that’d be so much fun and freaken awesome!!!
Kick ass idea 2:
You know how there was a thing with flash mobs a while ago? Where through IM/internet people are told to show up at a specific area and form a flash mob?
Same concept. Except it’s a flash ZOMBIE mob.
I don’t know how to get people involved in this flash mob thing, I’m not young and in the hip crowd. Wouldn’t it be totally awesome to have a bunch of zombie all showing up at one place? It’ll be just like the movies/10 years from now.
Flash zombie mob!!!!
OMG. Just thinking about it gets me excited.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Reason # 1,786 why I'm not going to do well being old.
As many of you know me knows this, I don’t do well with getting older. I'm not doing well now with it. I don't do well with everything about it. I just don’t do well with the whole concept.
Well now, I have even more reasons.
After months of nagging from many friends, I finally went to see the doctor. I’ve always known this, but to make it official is something else.
Whenever I go to a Target or Kroger I generally go try out the blood pressure machine. It started out just for fun, but I continued to do it every weekend when I went to the store. This has gone on for years. I’ve always thought there might have been something wrong with the machine. The readings were generally insanely high. Like ‘Your heart may explode right now’ high.
It’s never concerned me that much. I’m generally healthy. Sure I could lose a few pounds, but the ultimate keeps me in ok shape and I don't eat too badly (except for that whole peanut obession).
I see a doctor about every 5 years. Even that’s a stretch for me. Everytime they see me, they generally have a concern, but since I don’t see them for another 5 years and I’ve moved to another city, nothing ever happens.
For some reason, the last few tests concerned me. Not that it was any higher, just that it’s that high in the first place. I told a couple of friends, then the nagging started. Lots and lots of nagging.
Finally I gave in and went to see the doc this week. I don’t know if she was acting, but she seemed quite concerned. She put me on 2 blood pressure medicines right away. I’m going back next week. I may have a 3rd.
Nothing makes you feel older than having this thought.
“Hope I don’t forget to take my blood pressure medicine today.”
Getting old sucks.
As many of you know me knows this, I don’t do well with getting older. I'm not doing well now with it. I don't do well with everything about it. I just don’t do well with the whole concept.
Well now, I have even more reasons.
After months of nagging from many friends, I finally went to see the doctor. I’ve always known this, but to make it official is something else.
Whenever I go to a Target or Kroger I generally go try out the blood pressure machine. It started out just for fun, but I continued to do it every weekend when I went to the store. This has gone on for years. I’ve always thought there might have been something wrong with the machine. The readings were generally insanely high. Like ‘Your heart may explode right now’ high.
It’s never concerned me that much. I’m generally healthy. Sure I could lose a few pounds, but the ultimate keeps me in ok shape and I don't eat too badly (except for that whole peanut obession).
I see a doctor about every 5 years. Even that’s a stretch for me. Everytime they see me, they generally have a concern, but since I don’t see them for another 5 years and I’ve moved to another city, nothing ever happens.
For some reason, the last few tests concerned me. Not that it was any higher, just that it’s that high in the first place. I told a couple of friends, then the nagging started. Lots and lots of nagging.
Finally I gave in and went to see the doc this week. I don’t know if she was acting, but she seemed quite concerned. She put me on 2 blood pressure medicines right away. I’m going back next week. I may have a 3rd.
Nothing makes you feel older than having this thought.
“Hope I don’t forget to take my blood pressure medicine today.”
Getting old sucks.
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