Rainmaker

"A man cannot be too careful in the choice of his enemies." - Oscar Wilde

Today the Tex Bar starts for a lot of people. I wish them all the best of luck. I'm happy to have that over with. I still hope to take the California bar in the next few years. I will tell you, a year ago before the bar I had the worst mindset possible. I did not want to take the test, worse I did not want to fail. I'm not only embarrassed about it now, I'm still a bit disappointed that it affected me so strongly. Dude, just take the test and fail, get over it. But it felt like life would fall apart. I have forgiven myself of course because of my ability to learn enough during the summer to pass the exam on the first try despite not feeling like I was fully prepared. What really urked me was how I really took to heart all these ideas and advice that I took from a friend over the years that really hurt me. When she was in law school, the line was always, you don't understand, this is law school, this is ridiculously hard, almost making it seem like I would not be able to make it. But then when her bar came along, I got the same lectures, oh it's the hardest thing ever, you won't understand until you take the test. It is too hard, there is too much information. I didn't need any of that shit. [note: I will admit, maybe it as my selective interpretation of her comments and not her intent.] I needed support and encouragement, but in the end that can only come from yourself. I had good friends tell me that it was extremely difficult, but that if you put in the time and effort that you could do it. No one told me it was gonna be easy and I didn't expect that. Luckily, I didn't let it get to me enough to keep me from my dream, but I'll never share negative views like that with a person. Is law school hard? Definitely. Does the bar suck, well clearly, but that is the point. But both are achievable and realistic for anyone whose goal it is. Maybe I had forgot that this was what I had been working towards since 2nd grade when I decided to be lawyer. You might have to retake the bar, or apply to law school a few times, but this impossible bullshit, don't ever buy. Now, the whole being a lawyer thing, not so easy either, but each day I learn more and get better and soon I'll be a hot shot.

Sleeping In on Weekends a No-No
Popular Science says that sleeping in on the weekend makes it harder to get up on time during the week. The concept may be common knowledge for most, but the article backs it up with science for those who still aren't convinced.

Yet I'll still continue to do it I bet. It feels good on the weekend.

Monday after work I had a really good workout. I have been really good about this for the past month or so. I started with 2.5 miles and then did my upper body workout. I had told Abram that I wanted to play basketball, so after we went to play. I was pretty spend when we showed up, but I had a feeling it would be fun. We shot around for a while and the fatigue in my arms made my shots less than accurate. I didn't care, I was just there to mess around. Then these two 15 year old kids asked us to play. [mind you there are some hilarious Along Came Polly references here, but I'll let you imagine that.] We were completely schooled. Now I'm not the best basketball player, but I was a lot better than that. I tanked out after 10 mins and at one point couldn't shoot or pass with my right arm because it was tanking. We didn't give up though and Abram played pretty hard, but there isn't much you can do when your teammate is just standing there trying to get air. Alas we lost the game and much respect from two young strangers. We will have our rematch and I guarantee victory. That was the plan though, to get out there and get a really good cardio workout. After all that, Abram and I had a sprint race so that I could see where I was at. I as running hard and fast, yet was destroyed. I guess it all just shows you where you are at and where you have to improve. Today I am really feeling it though, weeks and weeks of running and working out and today I'm sore. Nice.

This weekend they finished the remodel on my office. Now I have a lot more space. I came into work on Monday and moved my entire office around. I really like moving things around. I'm pretty happy with my new space and set up. I might need a new light though.


I talked to Michelle on Monday. I guess I haven't RSVPed yet. For some reason I thought being a Groom's bitch [as Jorge so fondly refers to it as] would of got me out this one. How I Met Your Mother has a great episode about the RSVP card and the plus one. I need to send that card in.

I have a lot of my photos saved on my webpage and not my flickr site. I've decided to transfer them over to flickr so that I can have them saved there just in case. I like my old style webpage way of sorting my pictures, but man it was so much work. They will probably be missing any commentary and might not even be in the correct order, but it will be cool to have all my old pictures up. The following should now be included in Flickr:
PHOTO ALBUMS
DC 2002 All
* Cornell 98-02 *
Senior 01-02 Summer 01 Junior 00-01 Summer 00 Soph 99-00 Summer 99 Freshman 98-99

I hope everyone is ok today: Earthquake rattles L.A. I have some news to read and some phone calls to make. Los Angeles Earthquake Photos

bring the lessons on

The Return of SBM

You had me several years ago
When I was still quite naive
Well, you said that we made such a pretty pair
And that you would never leave
But you gave away the things you loved
And one of them was me

You're so vain
You probably think this song is about you
You're so vain
I'll bet you think this song is about you
Don't you? Don't you?
- You're so Vain, Carly Simon

Friday was an eventful day at work. We attended a hearing over the phone. That was interesting. My office is going to get worked on this weekend. I had to move my computer out. It will be awesome to have a much larger office, but I am just happy in general to have an office that is mine. It sure beats a cubicle. The more I learn the more confident I get in my job.

Here is a reflection for that person who keeps making this blog part of her morning routine after people.com on her Mac. There was one time when I was leaving DC, I had plans to see a friend before I moved away forever. I didn't really want to agree to these plans, but after much coaxing, I did. Then I was stood up. I wonder if that type of thing can happen to a person twice? Nothing sucks like looking forward to something and then having it not work out for arbitrary reasons. Some people don't ever learn. All will be forgotten with a Diesel gift card. Really, that is all I have ever wanted.

The other night I was up late and I got a call from my sister asking me about a movie. I knew the answer was Along Came Polly, but I had never seen it. It was the next movie on my netflix queue when I moved out my first time in Virginia. I finally decided to see it. I don't think there was a more fitting time in my life to see the movie. I thought it was good, really liked the salsa part. Some fun Corny snippets: "When you least expect it, something great might come along, something better than you even planned for." -- "I'm not gonna marry you Ruben." - "I don't want to get married." -- "Thank you for everything Claude."

Saturday morning Rino and I went shopping for our BBQ. We hit up SAMs, the liquor store and HEB. We had a good BBQ. Friends came over, we played beer pong and I had my usual conversations where I try to learn things from people. I lost my first game of beer pong badly, but I was able to come back later and win one. I was denied from playing the champion even though the only person he had not beat was me. My transitive property arguments were not as persuasive after a few beers. We have a lot of leftover food and beer, so the next week should be fun.

Fine, you win, you can have the last word.

The Bodega

"If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten." - George Carlin

Quick hurricane update. My family lost power, so they all went over to my sister Eliza's house who was one of the few places in the city with power. Now that it has passed, they are happy they didn't get much damage, but other places did. They feel kind of bored trapped in doors, with no power and such, but over all it was the best we could of hoped.

I got joyful news from Iris, a good college friend of mine on Wednesday. My B-town, TX- Cornell friend is getting married in a few days. I am genuinely happy and excited for her. It had been a while since we had really talked. [Join me for my trip down memory lane.] Iris was one of my closest friends in college. We did grow apart somewhat at the end, but for the first few years she was probably one of my best friends. We studied together, partied together, stole a car together, and even my favorite scarf was a gift from her. (why would I bring a scarf from Texas.) Actually, now that I think about it, she was the first person I met at Cornell. It was the spring of 98 and I was visiting Ithaca for the first time and we met up as she was too was visiting. I knew she was cool then. After bonding because we were from Texas, it all went from there. There are so many memories, I can't begin to recount. We ended up forming a crew in a sense and Iris was definitely one of the leaders. Watching her and Herbert go at it was always great. I remember one summer when Iris and I stayed in Ithaca. I think she was working for a program with incoming pre-freshmen. We really bonded that summer and I remember having a discussion where I was like damn, you are a great friend, you know what I'm going to say or do before I even say it. She even introduced me to her pre-freshman Karyna, a person who changed my life. I have embarrassing stories too, but I'll pass on those for the moment. Her and Maria were inseparable. Among the many things I give her credit for, one was her trip to Italy for a semester. It made me want to study aboard and even though I had to wait until law school (and it ended up not even counting for credit), I got to study in Europe. Second was her plans for law school, it helped keep me centered on the idea that I shouldn't give up on my goal. Then there was the drinking, oh how I miss the Bodega. Iris is headstrong, which made things sometimes more difficult, but man she has a great heart. She is a powerful Chicana. Well now my old college friend is getting married, joining what seems like everyone else now. Enjoy my friend, it will suit you well.

Speaking of Maria, I talked to her today. She caught me up with her life and her bout with cancer. It takes a second to sink in when she tells you she has been in and out of the emergency room for months because she says it in such a matter of fact, still happy in the moment type of way. Maybe there will be some updates coming soon to her blog. She told me how there is a casino that people can stay at for Jorge's wedding. Hummm...sounds like a good idea to me. She skipped over the Lion Video I had mentioned too. Maybe I'm just a sucker for large cats, but it is worth a watch. I was glad to hear she was doing well and I kept my super Marty chat down a bit.

Everyone knows the story of Superman, Clark Kent and Lois Lane. There are so may lessons you can take from classic comic book story lines. One problem Clark Kent always had was that he loved Lane, but Lois only had eyes for Superman. He could of easily just told her he was Superman and be set, but he wanted Lane to like him for Clark and not her idealized vision of Superman. The cool thing for Lane was that if she picked Clark, she also got the added surprise of Superman. It makes me think about myself, once when I was Clark things were not going well with a girl. Then she met the Superman me and everything changed. I wasn't sure if she was really into me for me and not Superman, so I went back to being Clark to find out. It did not go so well and I learned that Superman was in, but Clark was not. I'd rather be Superman than Clark any day, but only want a girl that would pick Clark over Superman. It was a great lesson.


Jon Stewart Jokes About Bob Novak's Hit-And-Run: "That's The Novak I Know And Despise!"

Wednesday night on "The Daily Show," Jon Stewart took some time to joke about Bob Novak's hit-and-run from earlier in the day (where he struck a pedestrian with his black corvette and kept driving until a bicyclist stopped him).

because i want to, not because I have to

Hurricane Dolly Party

"Too many shadows in my room
Too many hours in this midnight
Too many corners in my mind
So much to do to set my heart right
Oh it's taking so long i could be wrong, i could be ready
Oh but if i take my heart's advice
I should assume it's still unsteady
I am in repair, i am in repair...

I'm in repair, i'm not together but i'm getting there
I'm in repair, i'm not together but i'm getting there"
- John Mayer, In Repair

Wednesday hurricane Dolly hit the Valley. Here is a picture of it over the Valley. I was safe up here in Austin, but my family got to experience it. I heard that it could of been worse. I'm glad everything turned out ok. Is it even hurricane season yet? I have no fonder memories than that of preparing for a hurricane as a kid. There was this fear and anticipation, just like before you get on a roller coaster. There was always a strong sense of security, which is why I don't see them like I should. I'm sure had one torn my roof off I'd have very different thoughts about them. Sometimes the power would go out and we would get to use candles. Fire is fun. I always felt our home was very hurricane proof, but I don't know how a child has the expertise to make that assumption. I hope all the damage is minimal. It should give us some rain up here. I hope there were some good hurricane parties.

What an unbelievable story: Christian, A true Lion King

It’s stories like this that really are incredible. I know it’s been around for a while, but I never saw it before. A couple raised a lion cub in the UK and eventually he got too big to handle so they brought Christian back to Africa. A year later they visited him even though there was a great chance that he would have—forgotten them—and not been very kind since he lived in the wild and all, but surprisingly he remembered them. The affection he showed was pretty remarkable.

I have to say, Jess posted an entry about Christian The Lion on her blog the other day and I just bypassed it. She even posted it as a bulletin on MySpace. When I saw it mentioned on the Crooks and Liars today, I watched it and was pretty moved. My apologies to Jess. Hopefully you don't do the same. Oh it is Snopes fact checked too.

Seriously guys, that is exactly what Koki would do. Now Mia, no she would eat me. They are getting pretty big. The lion kind of reminded me of Jasper though. Had he got returned to the pound, maybe that would of been his story.

Nice to know the recession is affecting everyone:
Porn Not Recession-Proof: Amateur Porn Good Enough Substitute In Trying Times

In good times and in bad, sin sells; booze, tobacco and sex have all weathered countless economic storms over the centuries.
This recession is a little different, though. It's been extremely challenging for adult filmmakers, who are not only wrestling with anemic consumer spending, they're also competing with a nearly infinite supply of free, amateur videos from countless user-generated sites, not to mention a glut of traditional inventory. Read the full story here

I've become a big fan of Mob Wars on facebook and Mobster on Myspace. It is fun, you should check it out. Oh and join my mob too, we have cookies. I don't think you can win or anything, but it is still neat. I've learned that I have terrible money management and completely over estimate my ability to fight and take attacks. I have my BMW though. It resembles real life in that sense, but not in, well every other sense.

The Science Of Temptation...And How To Resist It

LiveScience is reporting that women are less likely to succumb to temptation than men. Apparently women, after happening upon an attractive alternative, tend "to be even more committed to bolstering their present relationship," whereas men "are more likely to view their girlfriend in a negative light."
Apparently this stems from the fact that women take a slightly more defensive stance - they view these attractive outsiders as possible threats to their relationships.
In a study performed by John Lydon of McGill University, results found that after meeting attractive and available others, "women were 18 percent more likely to forgive their "romantic partner" who hypothetically had either revealed an embarrassing trait or lied about why he recently cancelled a date." Men, on the other hand, were 12 percent less likely to forgive a girlfriend's comparable mistake.
So, how should men hone their temptation resistance? By picturing attractive, available women as probable threats. Lydon explains, "We think that if men believed an attractive, available woman was a threat to their relationship, they might try to protect that relationship."

I'm a pretty big fan of the temptation. I didn't fully understand the point the article was trying to make, but to me it sounded like, men=bad, women=good...which by now I'm sure we all know isn't really the case.

I need to book a hotel room for Jorge's wedding. Oh and I should get them a gift soon too. I'd better get a todo list out and start adding to it.

it doesn't feel like a love gift, but that is besides the point

Eye Contact

"If indeed you must be candid, be candid beautifully." - Khalil Gibran

Today is Eliza's 27th birthday. I know she is younger than me, but her getting older makes me realize that I too am getting older. I hope she had a good day today. She has a family and two kids, very different from when I turned 27. Another year that I'm not there to eat cake. She had to work which sucks, but I hear most people have to work on their birthday.

This weekend I watched a few DVDs that I had been putting off. One was Phantom of the Opera. It came highly recommended. For some reason I have never seen the Broadway play. In 6th grade we had to listen to the entire CD in drama, but I never really fully understood all that was going on, probably because I wasn't paying much attention. I have seen many parodies, my favorite being the one from Night Court. 10 points for anyone that remembers that episode(s). It made me get the CD to the Scarlet Pimpernel, one of my favorite shows. I also watched a few other movies at home this weekend, but nothing worth mentioning. I just wanted to take it easy and let my mind rest.

The most important movie I saw was The Dark Knight. I hadn't been to the movies since Ironman. Abram and I went Sunday night hoping we could avoid the lines. We did avoid the line, but it was still very packed. I was very impressed. It seems ripe to be over hyped, but it really is a great time. The Joker performance deserves to be in Oscar contention even if that tragic event would not have happened.

Rino's dad, my Tio Cama came into town. He had a new car which was very sharp. I was very impressed. I'm sure Rino was happy.

So I overheard a guy tell a girl she had the most beautiful eyes. It sounded like the usual pick up line and the girl thanked him passively as she turned away to look for someone to save her. It made me think about whether I've ever said such a thing to anyone. The truth is that some girls do have beautiful eyes, but most don't. (skip the whole nice/pretty/attractive distinctions that would be below that.) So whether I think it a lot, I think I've only said that one girl and actually meant it. We were on a date and she was wearing sunglasses. When she took them off, I was caught off guard. I told her in a I'm the only person in the world who has ever said that type of way about what I thought about her eyes. (and it is what my frame of mind was.) It wasn't smooth at all, but genuine nevertheless. She had heard it a lot in her life so she was kind of a bitch about it, dismissing my words. I never forgot that moment. I never said it again to her, but it is a memory I have of her. What makes me feel bad is that of all the girls I have dated, I rarely ever compliment them on their eyes. I know it is very very common, but I just don't do it. It isn't because of the reaction I got that time, but I guess it just takes something special. I will say that although not unique looking, many deserved compliments for the positive glow that came from their eyes. It does make me feel guilty when I would think about it in retrospect, nevertheless. Well that is enough about eyes.

I like this response video to the ridiculous McCain ad blaming Obama for high gas prices.

The root of all our domestic problems, maybe all the world's problems?:

women can be like books...you tend to put them on shelves as trophies, but the one you are looking for is like a book you can read more than once, even every day and still get inspiration from

On Cartoons

"If you can't be funny, be interesting." - Harold Ross

One thing that gets annoying about changing your phone number is having to change the tags on your pet. Koki, Mia and Max all have name tags with my phone number on them in case somehow they happened to get out and were found. It feels like I'm always headed down to the pet store to get them new ones when I get a new number. It does give me peace of mind though, and I guess that is more important.

I missed work on Thursday. It was some well needed rest. While I was home, I caught this note that my niece wrote on what my mom would call, her space.

Dear God,
Why did you have to take her so soon?I had not even entered middle school.Who is going to be there to help mepick out my dance dresses? Who is going to help give me advise about boys?Lord I really miss her:[ I want to be with her.I know you do things for a reason, but I can't accept that she is no longer with me.I feel like those moments we spent together, never happened :[ Can you pleasehelp me accept she is no longer here?
I hope you guys love your mom each and everyday! Mom's are so special.
Thanks for thosewho read this! It means alot
<3> Love, Bekka

Rachel Maddow Tops “Short List” For Own MSNBC Show : I watched her on Countdown while Keith was out and I was sad that she was gone...and that is my favorite show. She is great.

A New Yorker Cover For National Review: Andrew Sullivan pulls this editorial cartoon from David Horsey, and asks, "How would the Republican base react to this?"

I'm a bit tired of the issue to discuss it right now, so I'll let you read up on it and decide for yourself. Is it ironic, satirical and funny if most people are too ignorant to get it?

Jon Stewart put it best I think when he said, "Obama’s camp initially agreed that the cartoon was “tasteless and offensive”. Really? You know what your response should have been…let me put this statement out for you. Barack Obama is in no way upset about the cartoon that depicts him as a Muslim extremist because you know who gets upset about cartoons? Muslim extremists, of which Barack Obama is not. It’s just a f%#!-ing cartoon! But as always, no where was the anger at the media hotter, than in the media. "

I'm not a chatty mood today. Cynthia's birthday is on July 19th, and my sister Eliza's birthday is on July 21st. You should wish them a happy birthday.

Here is some news for my lady friends.

In a spectacular act of complicity with the religious right, the Department of Health and Human Services Monday released a proposal that allows any federal grant recipient to obstruct a woman’s access to contraception. In order to do this, the Department is attempting to redefine many forms of contraception, the birth control 40% of Americans use, as abortion. Doing so protects extremists under the Weldon and Church amendments. Those laws prohibit federal grant recipients from requiring employees to help provide or refer for abortion services…read on

Elizabeth Dole Proposing Naming AIDS Bill After Jesse Helms

Why is this so unbelievably wrong on so many levels? Because of what Jesse Helms said about AIDS:
Joe Jervis of Joe.My.God says it all: Jesse Helms, the man who in 1987 described AIDS prevention literature as “so obscene, so revolting, I may throw up.”
Jesse Helms, the man who in 1988 vigorously opposed the Kennedy-Hatch AIDS research bill, saying, “There is not one single case of AIDS in this country that cannot be traced in origin to sodomy.”
Jesse Helms, the man who in 1995 said (in opposition to refunding the Ryan White Act) that the government should spend less on people with AIDS because they got sick due to their “deliberate, disgusting, revolting conduct.”

I'm on a news roll, I think this is a good video to end of on. Daily Show: Bush vs. Bernanke on the Economy

so far so good

3G for Me

You call me strong, you call me weak but still your secrets I will keep
You took for granite [sic] all the times I never let you down
You stumbled in and bumped your head, If not for me then you'd be dead
I'll get you up and put you back on solid ground
If I go crazy then will you still call me superman

- Kryptonite, 3 Doors Down

This weekend went by relatively fast. I feel like I woke up and it was already Sunday. The weekend started with a poker game at Rino's friend Mike's house on Friday night. We had to travel all the way to Round Rock, but the traffic wasn't as bad as I was expecting. It had been a while since I had been up in that part of town, probably since Ericka used to live with Monica and Joselo. Mike and his wife Lea were recently married. They have a few dogs and their house was really nice. They had a few friends over, some from work, some from church and we started playing a tournament. We had a laptop keeping track of blinds and breaks. There were 8 players total and the buy in was only 20 bucks. I played an ok game, but in the end ran into this guy named Ryan. He was a cool guy. We were heads up and I was able to even his 2-1 advantage. He was a very good player for not having played in a long time. His moves were smart and hard to see. On the final hand, he limped in with Jacks after a long heads up battle with 500-1000 blinds (we started with 4000 chips) and I checked. He hit a set on the flop and checked to me. I had an up and down straight draw and decided I'd push and if he had me well I'd have the outs of the straight. I was hoping he missed and would fold. Well of course he called and that is how I got 2nd. Maybe I should of taken a free card and when he bet just gone away. It was a fun time.


I woke up extremely early on Saturday. It wasn't the plan, but I did it anyway. I drove my self over the mall. I had no business waiting in line for 5 hours on a Saturday, but that is what happened. I did make some pretty cool friends. Julian, a Junior Electrical Engineering Major student who loved riding his bike; Frankie, a sheriff and part time DJ; and Diane, a mother and business owner who ran her own management company. They made the wait go by a lot faster than it otherwise would have. Now the waiting was still way too long. It is kind of like a failing relationship, at first you see you invested an hour and feel maybe the 2nd hour will be better...but then after two hours you are still not where you want to be, but now you are committed, I mean are you just going to throw away 2 hours. At 4 hours, you hurt a bit (probably should of sat down more), yet there is no way you are leaving unless you are asked to leave. I really did think I'd get there early, wait for 20-40 minutes, be out and home back in bed.

I have a new cell phone number now. My old number no longer works. Most of you will get my number next time I call you. Another cycle of purging out old numbers and just keeping the ones I use. Email me if you need it.


On Sunday Rino and Jess had a BBQ at our place. They had some friends over. It was a good test use of the BBQ pit to see if it would work for our housewarming party in a few weeks.

I miss NY

Mochi-Bear

"Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all other countries because you were born in it." - George Bernard Shaw

There was a kitten, she had no name and she was from a cat shelter. Someone I knew was adopting her and I helped pick her out. She was not what she was looking for, but she quickly fell in love with her. I admit that I too was smitten. How could you say no to that face? I thought up the perfect name for the cat, Mocha. It fit her well. Unlike Atari, I didn't get a chance to really bond with Mocha, but I was still on Mocha's top list of favorites and that I am sure. Mocha unfortunately was sick, but what she had I never was able to find out. I'll never forget how all of Atari's things were thrown out and the room vigorously cleaned just to make sure that Mocha would not catch Atari's sickness after she passed away. She was such a little thing, but man she had personality. Thursday I find out that Mocha was put down. Her sickness finally caught up with her after years of being a great pet. I wonder if it was because she was no longer getting the care she formerly got, not that she was abandoned. Both cats belonged to a person that I wouldn't of thought would have the capacity to care for them in their condition, but who proved me wrong and helped them live much longer than they would of if not for her unique care. I said goodbye to Mocha long ago, but it still sucks that she isn't around anymore. I am very lucky to have have Koki and Mia, both born before Mocha and Atari and both still alive and happy. I've had only one close call and couldn't imagine having to put them down.

Thursday night I watched the movie Wall-e. I have to admit that for a children's movie, it was very good. And not good in the Sherk, adult references type of way...just good in an entertaining movie type of way. It is an almost entirely silent movie for the irst half, which makes you really pay attention to the details. If I had a kid, I'd take him to see it. (catch the subtle sexism in that statement?) Wall-e does remind me of Short Circuit, which was a great movie when I was a kid. This movie critic gives it many stars.

After my jog on Thursday, I gave Max a long walk. The sun was so bright that I had my eyes squinted most of the time. Max is a ridculously high energy dog and as his owner, it is my job to help get that energy burned. That I have not been the best at. So at one point Max and I decide to race. We take off in a quick sprint and Max catches up with me and then really takes off. Not to hold him back I press forward even faster and then Max begins to slow down a bit. He then easily bypasses me again and I just try to keep pace thankful that his is getting a bit tired. He could of gone much longer, but I was winded, so I finally stopped and we finished up our walk. He needs a bath too.

Today the Iphone 3G came out. I really wanted one and passed on the first iphone in an attempt to be responsible. The lines I saw were very long and one place was already sold out by noon. Maybe soon I'll get to be holding one.

Dane Cook Jury: If the Dog Didn't S**t, You Must Acquit - Now this is not why I became a lawyer. I think this is an important case though.

I got this in an email from Laura. I guess I do find some forwards funny. Some funny lessons here.

FIVE MINUTE MANAGEMENT COURSE

Lesson 1:

A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower, when the doorbell rings.

The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs.

When she opens the door, there stands Bob, the next-door neighbor.

Before she says a word, Bob says, 'I'll give you $800 to drop that towel.'

After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob, after a few seconds, Bob hands her $800 and leaves.

The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs.

When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks, 'Who was that?'

'It was Bob the next door neighbor,' she replies.

'Great,' the husband says, 'did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?'

Moral of the story:
If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders in time, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.

Lesson 2:

A priest offered a Nun a lift.

She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a leg.

The priest nearly had an accident.

After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg.

The nun said, 'Father, remember Psalm 129?'

The priest removed his hand. But, changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again.

The nun once again said, 'Father, remember Psalm 129?'

The priest apologized 'Sorry sister but the flesh is weak.'

Arriving at the convent, the nun sighed heavily and went on her way.

On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129. It said, 'Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glory.'

Moral of the story:
If you are not well informed in your job, you might miss a great opportunity.

Lesson 3:

A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp.

They rub it and a Genie comes out.
The Genie says, 'I'll give each of you just one wish.'
'Me first! Me first!' says the admin clerk. 'I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the world.'
Puff! She's gone.

'Me next! Me next!' says the sales rep. 'I want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life.'

Puff! He's gone.

'OK, you're up,' the Genie says to the manager.
The manager says, 'I want those two back in the office after lunch.'

Moral of the story:
Always let your boss have the first say.

Lesson 4

An eagle was sitting on a tree resting, doing nothing.

A small rabbit saw the eagle and asked him, 'Can I also sit like you and do nothing?'
The eagle answered: 'Sure, why not.'

So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the eagle and rested. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.

Moral of the story:
To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up.

Lesson 5

A turkey was chatting with a bull.

'I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree' sighed the turkey, 'but I haven't got the energy.'
'Well, why don't you nibble on some of my droppings?' replied the bull. They're packed with nutrients.'

The turkey pecked at a lump of dung, and found it actually gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree.

The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch.

Finally after a fourth night, the turkey was proudly perched at the top of the tree.

He was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot him out of the tree.

Moral of the story:
Bull Shit might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there.

Lesson 6

A little bird was flying south for the winter. It was so cold the bird froze and fell to the ground into a large field.

While he was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on him.

As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, he began to realize how warm he was.

The dung was actually thawing him out!

He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy.
A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate.

Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him.


Morals of the story:
(1) Not everyone who shits on you is your enemy.

(2) Not everyone who gets you out of shit is your friend.

(3) And when you're in deep shit, it's best to keep your mouth shut!

THUS ENDS THE FIVE MINUTE MANAGEMENT COURSE

Jack Black On weed: (Jack Black Details His Drug Use: Cocaine, Heroin, And Wellbutrin)

There is an occasional celebratory jay, but it's not a wake-and-bake scenario anymore at all. And no cigarettes. To help stop, I took Wellbutrin for two years, and then I stopped the Wellbutrin before Tropic Thunder. They say you've got to be careful quitting Wellbutrin because some people have withdrawal symptoms. And I was like, "Good! That's the movie. That's what I need! Withdrawal symptoms!" I didn't have shakes and crazy quakes--it feels like your brain is sucking in on itself, like there's a small black hole in the center of your brain galaxy. But it only lasted for a couple of weeks, and then I was back to normal.

i wonder who it is from san antonio

X marks the spot

"I believe in the forgiveness of sin and the redemption of ignorance." - Adlai E. Stevenson Jr., retort to a heckler asking him to state his beliefs, Time, November 1, 1963

Abram and I finally put up the punching bags. Nothing is more fun than 30 minutes of boxing cardio. My shoulders feel like my arms want to fall off, but you keep punching anyway. Wraps and bag gloves make a big difference as I have already cut up my hands from just messing around with it bare fisted a few times. On Abram's bag, there is this one spot that is like concrete. I swear, if you hit it there hard enough, I'm sure your hand will break. So we marked that spot with an X. Ironically enough, the X makes you want to hit it and just like a hot stove, you forget the pain and hit it and then quickly remember how much it hurts.

After last week's bout with drinking, I'm pretty sure I'm going to take it easy this week.

Ok, I called my second student loan company and made a payment to them. I am hopefully going to be making payments to them now to get current. I can't believe in total I'll be paying about $1000 bucks a month in just student loan payments. I still think it was worth it to get here. Getting out of default should relieve a lot of stress, but I'm sure paying them will have its own stress, but that I'd rather deal with.

Poker has been on my mind. My game, well my Sit and Go game has been so terrible lately. I don't know what it is. I figure it just means I need to play more, but when you are bubbling you are burning through more money than you are taking in. It could be studying I'm lacking, but man I have put a lot of time into that. I need to figure out a way to do both, get experience and still continue to study away until I can get back to the game I am proud of. I've reduced my multi tabling a lot, but this must be what happens when you take a year long break from something you used to really love. It feels like when I am lifting. I see the weights and my mind remembers lifting them with such ease, but my body isn't there anymore and it hits me that I'm going to have to figure out where I'm at all over again.

This is why I became a lawyer:

FINE POINTS OF THE LAW
-- “Everyone knows what an ankle is,” said an official of the association of Texas medical doctors. Not so, said a lawyer representing Texas podiatrists: “You don’t have an ankle. The foot actually includes the ankle.” A state appeals court in March sided with the medical doctors, but the podiatrists say it’s not over yet and that they may continue to treat ankles even though they are licensed to work only on feet.

Just How Ignorant Are American Voters?
Bob Edwards Radio.com explores Rick Shenkman’s new book, “Just How Stupid Are We?: Facing the Truth About the American Voter“:
–Only 2 in 5 voters can name the three branches of the federal government.
–Only 1 in 7 can find Iraq on a map.
–Only 1 in 5 know that there are 100 federal senators.
And the most chilling…
–Nearly half (49%) of Americans think the President has the authority to suspend the Constitution.

Here is Wednesday's Pooch Cafe. This kept me laughing for some time. (click comic for full view)

Sorry FOX, we won't let you trash Michelle Obama

I see so many people doing the terrorist fist bump now...it is almost scary.

DHS Considering Shock Bracelets For All Airline Passengers
Every feel like livestock when you fly? DHS is exploring a new technology (warning, Moonie Times link) which, if it makes to airlines, will guarantee I will never fly again:
A senior government official with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has expressed great interest in a so-called safety bracelet that would serve as a stun device, similar to that of a police Taser®. According to this promotional video found at the Lamperd Less Lethal website, the bracelet would be worn by all airline passengers.
This bracelet would:
• take the place of an airline boarding pass
• contain personal information about the traveler
• be able to monitor the whereabouts of each passenger and his/her luggage
• shock the wearer on command, completely immobilizing him/her for several minutes
Read on…

I was looking for a file on my computer and I ran into this top ten list I must of saved. I opened it to see what it was. It was very very old, but interesting enough, it cheered me up even now. I thought I would share this thoughtful gift since it made my day, twice now. (Even I don't remember some of the inside references.)

cheer up babe! (here are 10 reasons to help you out):
1. We're going to Home Depot Today
2. We're going to see Harry Potter (your favorite)
3. We're going to try out Ford anyway and if it doesn't work out... we can go shopping afterwards at Tyson's for our trip!
4. I'm going to get us some Olive Garden after that! (sponsored partly by my mom)
5. You're going to FL on Tuesday!
6. You can get out early cause Karen's not there
7. You can always cheat the ******* people in other ways
8. I can take you anywhere you need to go as you did for me for a whole year
9. You'll get through all this as you have through everything else... that's why I'm your girlfriend and I'm so proud of you!
10. I LOVE YOU!!! :-*

I still think I'm a pretty lucky guy.

I'm going to end off with my iphone countdown. This Friday they go on sale. That is not too far away. I'll let you know if it is the missing gadget.

she never could live up to that

One Time

"I don't like that man. I must get to know him better." -Abraham Lincoln

I feel like I am in this daze, almost confused, yet expecting something to happen. Maybe it is just the feeling that something is missing, not exactly right. It has a very life is happening to you type of feel, something I try to keep from happening since I'd rather be proactive about what is going on in my life rather than just waiting to see what develops. Maybe I just need a very good nap, that should cure everything.

7/7/08 isn't as cool as 7/7/07 I guess. I heard that a lot of people get married on 7/7/07. I wonder how lucky that is turning out. Is 8/8/08 going to be special? It has been a while since I have paid attention to the numbers that make up the date.



I'm always trying to get my life in order. Seems like it has been a common theme. I called up today to try to get my student loan payments started. I had to pay a large late fee, and should start making huge payments this month. Man it is going to hurt, but at least I'll be paying and this is something I really don't want to default on. I have more student loans I need to get going as well, but I have yet to call them yet. Another step in a positive direction.



I wish I had more personal vacation days. I should probably talk to my boss about this. I get holidays and that is great, but the amount of days I get for the year don't kick for some time. I hate to say anything because they are very understanding, but at this rate, I won't be able to take a week off next summer to relax and get away. Next day off I have coming is Labor Day.



Water tower - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - Ever wondered why they exist, what they do, why NYC doesn't seem to have them? I finally looked it up.

Check out the new and updated The Martian Cat Problem



My mom has been reading my blog regularly it seems. I really don't mind, but she has been leaving her comments in my guestbook section. I figured I'd take this time to share a tutorial on how to leave a comment on my blog. First, look at the bottom of the entry and you will see a link that says "0 Comments." Now CLICK on that. You will notice a new link appeared under it which says, "Post a Comment." Now CLICK on that. A pop-up window with come up. Click on the radio button that says, "Name/URL" and then enter your name. Type your message in the provided box above and then click "Publish your Comment." That should work. I hope those are good directions. It is a lot better than the guestbook because I don't even know how long I'm going to keep that. Everyone else, these same instructions work for you too.

if you take on too much, you do too little

Howdy, Eh?

"America's one of the finest countries anyone ever stole." - Bobcat Goldthwaite

On the way to the airport, I saw a sign that said, Howdy, Eh. It made me laugh. Long story. It was a billboard advertising flights to Canada. It was a cool way to end the holiday.

On Thursday Cynthia came into town to celebrate the 4th of July. I'm glad she came because I needed a good friend to go have fun with. She got in a bit late, but we went out anyway. I took her downtown and we checked out Copa. We had a good time during Salsa night. The rest of the weekend followed suit. Friday night we went downtown to 6th street. We bar hopped for bit and then ended up at the Marq where Abram was hanging out with some old friends. Cynthia happened to know this old friend which was kind of cool. On Saturday we checked out the movie Hancock and at night, we ended the break at Speakeasys and then to the Marq where Abram was working.

The trip went by pretty fast. Sunday we had a late lunch at Garcia's and then I dropped Cynthia off at the airport. I was a bit tired from the weekend, but I was glad she came. I watched the latest UFC and cleaned up a bit.

not me

Not that Easy

“Don't wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful.” - Mark Victor Hansen

I'm feeling pretty great right now, just general mood wise. Last night no one wanted to go out. Abram and Rino were both dead tired. I was on a mission, I just knew I needed to get out and socialize. None of us had eaten dinner, but I promised them that action creates motivation. They were good friends, sucked it up and came out with me.


We started the night off at Abram's bar where I got to meet a new bar tender that works there. We even ran into old friends. The bar tender told us she might be able to get us into another bar where we wanted to see live music. On the way over to the bar, she knew ever door man and random stranger on the street. It was crazy, I mean I've heard it is a close knit community, but I was wowed. When we got there, the bouncer was having none of letting 3 guys in...only girls he said. Shows you what really motivates those favors. It was cool of her to try. We paid our cover and enjoyed the tunes.

So the 80s band was great and I had to get back and see them again after last week. It was a good time. I even met two guys who were out celebrating a birthday and got their advice on things. It was kind of weird cause the gay one kept looking at me wondering why I'm talking to them and not the women. They just happened to be sitting next to me at the bar and had good stories. At one point, one guy told me to buy a drink for the girl next to me. I don't think I'd ever date a girl I bought a drink for, it just feels wrong. I don't even know you and I'm getting you this gift, instead I brought a drink for my cousin instead. I said my laters and went back to check on Rino and Abram.


This is where the night is supposed to end, but after the music, we went to Speakeasys, my favorite bar still. It was supposed to be one drink and then gone. We run into Oscar and his friends. That was a cool surprise. This girl I used to date was there with them too and her boyfriend, which was totally awkward for me, had I known. I actually didn't even find out until the end of the night, which meant it didn't get in the way. That, well, its just a whole other thing. So Abram introduces me to one of the members of the band. He was from the Valley and we really got along. He was a much older man, but still pretty damn cool. It was cool when he went back up to sing after having a few drinks with us. I've seen this band so many times, but this was the first time I talked to them. While I'm talking to Rino I see this girl at the bar and I swear she kept looking at me. I give her a nod to come over to talk, but she responds with her own nod. I acquiesce and we start talking. She ends up being a pretty cool chick. She said I looked great for a 42 year old. She lives kind of far I think. I told her I had to take off, but she told me to wait until after she got back from a salsa dance (a guy had previously asked her). I made the exception and waited with my friends. She comes back after, which I later find out, didn't make the other guy too happy and then we go out to the dance floor. I've been trying to learn, but still have a lot to go. She taught me some cool moves and it was pretty fun. Too bad I really wanted to get out of there because it was late and I had work. (oh this was the time I noticed the whole ex thing, but I had that rare feeling of being happy for her instead of upset for myself. I should take responsibility for my own decisions...I walked and that is what happens. Suck it up I guess.) It takes me a while to find Abram, but we finally do. I get home and literally set 4 alarms for the morning, plus tell Rino to make sure to get me up. I would not be late to work. I wasn't.



So that was my night. Drank a bit, listened to some music and made some friends. I like hanging out with Rino and Abram. Before I went out, I had a lot of things click for me as far as what I wanted and how I wanted to go about it life wise. Maybe it was just the post-running endorphins. Let's hope it sticks. It created a good mindset for the night and to be honest, I really needed it.

Ten Great American Flag Bikini Moments (PHOTOS)

Mexico City

Don't Touch

"The starting point of all achievement is desire. Keep this constantly in mind. Weak desires bring weak results, just as a small amount of fire makes a small amount of heat." - Napoleon Hill

So I just found out that a good friend of mine from DC got engaged. I feel like I have said that a lot recently. We met when she was an intern for me. I'm pretty excited for her. I almost feel like I knew this already. Hard to keep track I guess. We hadn't talked for quite some time so our chat was about he generic how are you doing stuff. I'll still never get the whole concept of the less you talk to a person, the less you have to say.


I have some good news. Today I own my truck. After 5 years of paying on my Toyota Tacoma each month, it now finally officially belongs to me. It is paid for and mine. It is the first adult thing I have truly owned. I'm proud of myself for staying the same car and not just upgrading for a better one. I'll probably enjoy the lack of car payment for a while and then try to figure out how I'm going to get into that dark blue (maybe grey/silver) BMW. In celebration, I took my truck to the car wash to have her cleaned up and filled her up with a full tank of gas.

So after work on Tuesday I went home to check out the work my father and brother had done. The electric fence they put up looked very sharp. It has 3 levels and according to the power meter looks like it really zaps you. No one has dared try it out let. So far I've only seen Brooks get shocked. The box says "mild shock" so I'll try not to worry about that part too much. I was very impressed.

After, while I ran, they went to Walmart to exchange a Canopy/tarp thing that I had brought for shade. It had broken. Once they got back we set it up and it looked pretty sharp. Now the dogs have all kinds of shade and will hopefully not be able to get out anymore. I was glad he came to help.

Later I treated them to dinner at the Roadhouse. We ate and had a few beers before my father took off for San Antonio for his trip back.

Right after, Vanessa and Mario showed up with their new son Sebastian. Vanessa is Rino's sister and my cousin. We all hung out and talked and watched TV. They brought like 3 Cha-Chi (Jess's dog) type dogs with them. The cats were not too happy. I had a good time hanging out and got to bed a bit late. In the morning Vanessa was already up, but I guess that is part of being a mom. I really hope my wife let's me sleep.

One conversation that I found interesting was when I asked if our home looked more home like or more college like. I was hoping to get props for 3 guys living in a house and it looking like a house with matching furniture, paintings on the wall, etc. We don't have movie posters up, no posters at all, and no mismatched stuff either. Vanessa was like, no this definitely looks like 3 guys live here. Her statement was that it looked like a Bachelor type place rather than a home, but I think she was comparing it to a place that would have a feminine touch like candles all over, flowers and centerpieces. I guess I'll just have to keep on working to make it the best bachelor pad I can.

My 4th of July plans are coming together and I'm excited for that. Now I need to figure out which of all the activities I'm going to do.

http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/naps/ : I need a nap.

who are you that reads this?

No More Bets For Me

"We find it intolerable that one constitutional right should have to be surrendered in order to assert another." - Simmons v. U.S. 390 US 389 (1968)

All I can think about this week is that the 4th of July is coming. Even though I don't buy into that patriotism propaganda, it is one of my favorite holidays. I have a lot of good memories surrounding that day. I think I have a lot more of them coming as well.

Yesterday was a tough day for me. It is like bad news keeps hitting me from all sides. Then again some people's bad news is other people's great news. I just wish people would leave me alone when they know it is the best thing for me. It is nothing I haven't been through before and something I should expect, but the circumstances always make it harder. The only good thing about getting hit by a ton of bricks is that you were still numb from the last two tons that were just dropped on you. Get out of the construction sites my friend, you already knew they were not safe. I looked at the wooden cat on my dresser and decided it was time to put it with my garage sale items. I carry way too many garage sale items around with me.

Reminds me of my days in DC.

My Dad came up to visit Abram and I on Monday. He also came to help us install our electric fence so that Max will stop digging out. I'll let you know how that goes. We had dinner and gave my Dad the tour.

There is a book I'm reading right now talking about how studies show that 50% of happiness is genetic and it is a base line you will always fall back to. 10% is money, looks, fame, relationships, etc. That leaves 40% that you can do something about. What that is? Well I guess I should keep reading. I hope it involves drinking or gambling. Here is somewhat related and uplifting article.

Why Having Kids Might NOT Make You Happy

According to this week's Newsweek article, having kids might not be all it's cracked up to be.The most recent comprehensive study on the emotional state of those with kids shows us that the term "bundle of joy" may not be the most accurate way to describe our offspring. "Parents experience lower levels of emotional well-being, less frequent positive emotions and more frequent negative emotions than their childless peers," says Florida State University's Robin Simon, a sociology professor who's conducted several recent parenting studies, the most thorough of which came out in 2005 and looked at data gathered from 13,000 Americans by the National Survey of Families and Households. "In fact, no group of parents--married, single, step or even empty nest--reported significantly greater emotional well-being than people who never had children. It's such a counterintuitive finding because we have these cultural beliefs that children are the key to happiness and a healthy life, and they're not."And while this is the most recent study, it's certainly not the only one.

In Daniel Gilbert's 2006 book "Stumbling on Happiness," the Harvard professor of psychology looks at several studies and concludes that marital satisfaction decreases dramatically after the birth of the first child--and increases only when the last child has left home. He also ascertains that parents are happier grocery shopping and even sleeping than spending time with their kids. Other data cited by 2008's "Gross National Happiness" author, Arthur C. Brooks, finds that parents are about 7 percentage points less likely to report being happy than the childless. Read the rest.

I found a box of clothes I had not opened. You know, that clothes you don't want to get rid of and know you will get to wear one day. I went through it all putting a lot of of it in a real garage sale box. The nice stuff I gave to Abram and rest I hung in a special part of my closet called the "one day" part. I hate that part of my closet.

Off to Europe and not Austin