Don't Stop

"A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual doom." -MLK

This extremely hot month of July is over, yet the heat stays with us. It went by very fast and I rarely feel that way about months. This probably applies to the summer of '09 in general. A lot has happened this month as well. I've written a lot more than normal, but I'm sure I won't be keeping that up. Let me give you the big news, tonight Rachel Maddow is going to be on Real Time with Bill Maher. How great is that? If only Jon Stewart were on the panel as well I'd be estatic. I'm very much looking forward to this episode.

My cousin Rino is now moved out completely and I look forward to checking out his new place once him and Jess get it all set up. I hope they like it. They are a lot closer to town which is awesome. Abram's friend from college Norbert is now moving in. I'm looking forward to the new set up. Moving is never fun though. I think he has most of his stuff here now. The dogs seem to be getting along as well which is good. I wish I had the cash to get the carpets steamed again, but I think I can put it off for a bit.

So, Adriana was in town to morally support her sister Christina during her bar exam or for an Austin vacation depending on how you look at it. So to let Christina study, earlier in the week we went to the Drafthouse to see the movie The Ugly Truth. My option was vetoed. I also want to watch 500 Days of Summer at the Drafthouse, but we decided to wait for Christina on that. The Ugly Truth did not get good reviews, but it wasn't too bad. There were parts that made me laugh and I enjoyed the male character. It also helped to be able to drink during the movie. I got the worst parking space in the world by the way. In an alley behind the theater, next to a trash bin in what probably wasn't a real parking space. There was no parking there, yet Adriana found a stellar spot in like 10 seconds.

So as of Thursday evening, Christina is done with her exam. She feels exactly the way she should feel at this point, unsure, but the stress of having to study is now gone and she can now relax and celebrate. In honor of this, Abram and I met up with them at Trudy's for dinner on Thursday night. They seemed reluctant to try my recommended Mexican Martinis, but they quickly found out why they are a staple of any Trudy's visit. I had a stuffed avocado that tasted amazing. It is a great place to eat. Not much of the conversation was about the test, which is just the way it should be.

After, we went to San Marcos to a piano bar called J's Bistro for drinks. We met up with Oscar and Berto our new housemate. The bar used to close at 12AM because of the city ordinance on alcohol sales, so I figured it would help me get back home at a decent hour for work in the morning. Well, the law has since changed and now they can sell alcohol until 2AM, something I just found out. I'm a big fan of this place, it has a dive bar feel, a piano and a set of drums. My friend Sam introduced me to it a few years back. Everyone seemed to enjoy it even though we had a female piano player. She was good and could sing, but man I have some some great piano playing guys there. At 1:31am (formerly 11:31pm) everyone in the bar takes a shot and then they play Don't Stop Believing by Journey. It is always a great moment and this night followed suit. The night was fun and the celebration was much deserved. I'm glad everyone trusted me on my pick for the night. I never disappoint.

Early this week I decided to run at a much faster pace and a longer time than I usually do just to see if I could and because I had this extra burst of energy. Well the next day my legs were very sore. Not like sore, haven't worked out in a while sore, but sore as in tired, no energy sore. I ran the next day at my normal pace to work it out though. This probably means I'm not working hard enough so I'm going to work on that.

This week was my first time in District Court for a hearing. I was to argue a motion in front of a Judge. I was excited, but the way things worked out I didn't get to argue it. Nevertheless, it was a great learning experience. I think I would like being a courthouse attorney, but it seems like there would be more stress and more waiting. I do enjoy making my arguments in brief form, but arguing them as well is always fun. My suit was sharp and I wore the tie my aunt kindly got me for my graduation, but that I finally received this year.

More and more research comes out showing that Texting While Driving MORE DANGEROUS Than Talking On Cell Phone
Everyone thinks they are different and special, but really people should not text. If you do text, which we both you probably will, keep it short and rare. Just my random PSA on this whenever I run across these studies.

I used to know a girl who loved the tanning bed. I'm sure you know someone. I haven't met as many people as of late, but this study still caught my attention. Study: Tanning beds as deadly as arsenic
This new analysis of about 20 studies concludes the risk of skin cancer jumps by 75 percent when people start using tanning beds before age 30. That is scary I think. I've never used a tanning bed, but what reason would I have to. Why not just get a regular tan? I'm not a fan of the orange color.

I'm sad to hear that the Cash for Clunkers program ran out of money, but it seems like it is up to the Senate to decide if the program is going to get funded. I was hoping to use the program so I have a personal interest in it, but larger picture I don't know if the program is that great of an idea. I guess I'll see.

So the other day I saw a posting for an FBI Analyst position in San Juan, PR. For a second I imagined just dropping everything and moving away and starting over somewhere else. I think that would be hard now. I've picked a path and there are many ways I can go from there, but I have to accept that I can't do everything. I can't also be a professor or a coach and a bar owner and a psychiatrist all at the same time. Maybe I could also be a writer or rockstar in my spare time.

I wouldn't consider myself a big spender, nor a big saver. I wonder where I fit and how this would apply to me. Big Spenders Likely To Marry Big Savers
It might be why you married them, according to a working paper titled "Fatal (Fiscal) Attraction." Quick note, I've never seen the movie Fatal Attraction.

the bike

You Know What Happens

"Books serve to show a man that those original thoughts of his aren't very new after all."- Abraham Lincoln

My mind has been racing as of late and writing always seems to calm it down. I had a great workout on Monday, but this was juxtaposed to Abram starting his P90X program. My workout didn't seem to impressive after watching his as I started at my dumbbells. I'm impressed that he is giving it a shot, but when your before pictures look like after pictures, I wonder difference it is going to make for him other than kick ass endurance. I strained one of my back muscles on the dip bar, which made me wish I had had my own personal masseuse. I'm looking forward to seeing him go through the program and once I'm at a place I'm happy with my workouts, I may give it a try. Right now I'm able to drop inches slowly, but scales numbers seem to be moving so slowly. I'm working hard though and the months that have gone by are good ones. I can't imagine doing anything else with that hour and half each day right now.

When people have nothing to say, they talk about the weather. It is safe and immediate. Whenever I catch myself doing it or in a conversation about it, that is all I can think. I also think that when I write about it. Nevertheless, the topic I think has grown in importance to be worthy of a good talking about. This summer has been ridiciously hot as I'm sure I've previously mentioned. Weeks upon weeks of 100+ degree weather. I'm not sure what exactly qualifies as a heat wave, but this far surpasses that I'm sure. For example, check out what we have in store for us for the next week. Don't be distracted by the 84 degrees since I took the image in the morning. But 100+ degree days for at least the next week. (hotter this week in the Valley though.) There was even a forecast for Austin that said that rain would likely evaporate before hitting the ground.

This isn't just me complaining over a normal hot summer in Texas, this is unique situation. There are Off The Charts Drought In Texas (VIDEO) In Texas, half the corn crop is dried up, lakes have disappeared, cattle ranchers are selling cows early because there is no grass to graze on, and 77 counties are designated as having exceptional or extreme drought conditions. Historians say this drought is virtually unprecedented, and there is no relief in sight. Our grass is dead, which to be fair it wasn't too great before the drought, but this really put the final blow in. I can't wait for El Nino this fall.

Interesting articles always grab my attention. Here is one I'm happy to see. Scientists Say Evolution Causing Women To Become Increasingly Beautiful (VIDEO) Apparently, researchers found that beautiful women are reproducing at a higher rate and that they have a higher proportion of girls to boys. That is a pretty sweet deal for future generations of men. Now, I think that this might have something to do with Scientists being generally bad with women and trying to find a way to make their move with a scientific compliment.

Ready for some TV/Movies talk? I'm not big on the popular culture thing, but I know what I like.
I watched all of True Blood Season 1 last year and found the show to be interesting, but not great despite what many reviewers say. Season 2 has proven to surpass my expectations and has been pretty amazing, especially the episode from this past Sunday. I'm really enjoying the story line. There is plenty of new drama, mystery and, yes, disturbing stuff. I like that it is becoming more of an ensemble cast and not just about Anna Paquin anymore. How many times can she get naked before it ceases to be as interesting?

The show Kings is finally over, so I can stop talking about it. It is hard to watch a season finale when you know it is a series finale. Watching such a good show die has been hard. I watched Saturday's episode on Sunday night trying to relish each minute. This would have been a great HBO show...maybe I just miss Deadwood. I look forward to seeing the princess, Allison Miller, in something new. I saw the ratings for the finale and it probably meant that you were not watching it so I'll stop elaborating.

A friend of mine has been the recipient (and probably giver) of some pretty thoughtful gifts, gifts that put my standard jewelry, tape measures and flowers to shame. In a conversation about these gifts, I learned she once received the screenplay to When Harry Met Sally. This 1989 romantic comedy seemed so much the quintessential chick flick that I never bothered to check out in the 20 years since it came out. After some prodding and the right circumstances, I decided to check it out on Monday night while I battled with a bout of insomnia. Another reason I had never seen it was that I never found Meg Ryan to be attractive, so I never thought I would fully appreciate the movie. Now, after watching it, I think I can see what people see in her. (though I still side with a Kate Beckinsale in Serendipity type). The movie wasn't too bad and its effect on pop culture that I had seen in real life ("I'll have what she is having"), I finally got to see the actual source. The movie introduced terms we commonly use now such as "high maintenance woman" and "transitional person." I enjoyed the movie, didn't love it, but it was a good watch nevertheless. I collected a few of my favorite quotes, since that is what I do and decided to share them.

Sally Albright: You see? That is just like you, Harry. You say things like that, and you make it impossible for me to hate you.

Harry Burns: You take someone to the airport, its clearly the beginning of the relationship. That's why I have never taken anyone to the airport at the beginning of a relationship.
Sally Albright: Why?
Harry Burns: Because eventually things move on and you don't take someone to the airport and I never wanted anyone to say to me, How come you never take me to the airport anymore?

Sally Albright: Its amazing. You look like a normal person but actually you are the angel of death.

Harry Burns: There are two kinds of women: high maintenance and low maintenance.
Sally Albright: Which one am I?
Harry Burns: You're the worst kind; you're high maintenance but you think you're low maintenance.

Harry Burns: I knew the whole time that even though we were happy, it was an illusion and that one day she would kick the shit out of me.

Sally Albright: You know, I'm so glad I never got involved with you. I just would have ended up being some woman you had to get up out of bed and leave at 3:00 in the morning and go clean your andirons, and you don't even have a fireplace, not that I would know this.

Sally Albright: I am not your consolation prize, Harry.

Sally Albright: Yes it is. You are a human affront to all women and I am a woman.

Sally Albright: He just met her... She's supposed to be his transitional person, she's not supposed to be the ONE. All this time I thought he didn't want to get married. But, the truth is, he didn't want to marry me. He didn't love me.
Harry: If you could take him back now, would you?
Sally: No. But why didn't he want to marry me? What's the matter with me?

From a Deleted Scene: Harry: I don’t know, Sally. You know what happens. You meet someone new and you take them to meet your friend, and you want them to like each other as much as you do, but they never do, they always see the friend as a threat to your relationship, and you try to stay just as good friends with your friend but eventually you don’t need each other as much because you’ve got a new friend, you’ve got someone you can talk to and fuck.

There is this this one scene where Harry is talking to his best friend about how great it is to be able to talk to someone openly and just be yourself. He could just be himself even that meant saying something crude yet honest. It is that level of honesty and openness I aspire to.

I know I should stop kissing Bill Maher's ass on my blog. He says some stupid shit sometimes, but you have to respect a guy who will stand up and sometimes say things that people will not agree with, yet be able to argue his point intelligently. I respect that from people on both sides of the ideological spectrum. I enjoy when he takes the Democrats to task especially since they are now what stands between us and meaningful healthcare reform.

HBO's Bill Maher Takes On America's 'Profit Motives'

Another great video is him on CNN recently. Bill Maher Discusses Palin, Gates Arrest, Health Care Reform On CNN (VIDEO) But he stressed one point: that society now attaches a for-profit motive to everything, including things that were once considered too important to leave in the hands of those whose first motive is to make money. Capitalism is amazing we all agree, but it doesn't mean it is the best model for everything, ie the military.

Even I have tired of the healthcare debate, but I couldn't resist sharing this video of the Daily Show from last night. Jon Stewart Gets Kristol To Concede Government Can Provide ‘First-Class Health Care’

STEWART: I just want to get this on record — Bill Kristol just said that the government can run a first-class health care system.
KRISTOL: Sure it can. [Crowd applauds]

Day 1 of her test is on my mind today, but I really have nothing much to say about it. I think I'm just projecting all my fears and thoughts onto her experience and am vicariously stressing for no good reason. It brings back memories I guess.

holding back

Days of Summer

"Sex without love is an empty experience, but as empty experiences go, it's one of the best..."- Woody Allen

I visited my family this weekend in Edinburg. We had a BBQ for my sister Eliza's birthday at my mom's house on Saturday. All the kids were over and my dad cooked for us. I'm such a fan of fajitas, especially when made at home. I should of taken my brother's truck down as to pick up the dryer we need, but I had it in my mind that I might be able to get to my tire fixed while I was home. I don't know why I thought this, considering I had no money to my name until Friday, so it was a bad choice. Now I need to figure out our washer/dryer situation.

Early Saturday morning, I drove over to the cemetery alone to visit my sister's new memorial. I knew my mother and grandmother would be going later in the day, but I wanted to go alone this time. They had just put the vases up and they had no flowers, but later in the day they would be put there. I usually visit in the evening and this was a first going so early. I got a phone call from my older sister while I was walking over, so that distracted me for a bit and I didn't have to sit there alone with all my thoughts. The stone was black, my main request, had an Angel on it, which was my sister Eliza's request, had Psalm 91 on it, my mother's request. It is something for us. It did make it feel even more real than it already feels. Absence is a hard thing to grow accustomed to. I didn't have a lot to say that morning, but I stayed there a while. It was a visit I needed.

I picked up Bekkah and Jamie on Saturday morning to stay with my mom for the weekend. Eliza brought over Tori and Celeste and Ana brought over Sarah and Michael. I didn't like that some of the kids were fighting, but it is something they have to deal with as cousins and you can't always just make things better because you want them to be better. Ideally everyone would get along all the time. Saturday I took the girls and Tori to get ice cream at McDonalds. We ran into my cousin Mari and her two girls there. It has been a while since I had seen her. It makes me think that I need to do a better job at keeping in touch with my extended family. I wish there were more events where everyone would meet up to make that easier. My grandmother was still visiting my mom, so I was happy to be able to visit with her as well. She is so wise and gives the best advice.

So, it is a story I know well. It is easy to see and understand. In this case it is a good one of sorts, an experience where I have nothing to complain about. It is always nice to visit the feelings of anticipation, hope, enjoyment and laughter. It is better to know where you stand than to find out slowly. You always know though. I know I'm more than comfortable, but I'd rather be myself. You get the opportunity to see the potential that there may be and that is all you can ask for really. The common platitudes can be saved, they are not needed. Patience is something I possess, and I'm not a person that resigns easily. For me, these matters are not complicated, but I see how they can be without the proper foundation. It is when it is simple, comfortable and unique that there is no question. I rarely relish in experiences that do not mirror my intentions, but this one was special. I'm still hopefully even though I don't have a clear picture of the puzzle.

I finally caught up with my friend Juan Carlos from college on my drive home. It has been well over a year since we had last talked. I figure this because he didn't have my new phone number, which is over a year old. He told me how he had two more years of medical school and caught me up with his life in general. I can always go off on how much I admire Juan, but his becoming a doctor is really awesome. That is something I could never do and from the day I met him, something he always dreamed to be. He asked me when I was next going up to NYC and I told him that I would like to plan a trip at some point, hopefully when everyone could get together.

So this is it, this is bar exam week. The day has finally come for my friend Christina. On Sunday, her and her sister drove up to Austin after watching the US lose to Mexico in the Gold Cup. (I hear the US brought its C team, but there are always excuses.) Her testing starts on Tuesday and ends on Thursday, at which point we plan on going out to celebrate. I've suggested a piano bar. She has worked pretty hard and I really hope she passes. She definitely deserves to. She is at the point now where all the learning she has done is pretty much over and there isn't much more cramming that will change how things are going to go. I hope she goes in with a positive mindset and is able to avoid the pitfalls that made the experience so much harder for me. It is funny how my best form of support was to let her study in isolation for the final weeks. Her sister, Adriana, came up with her which I think was a good idea. I don't know why the stress is eating at me too and I want it to be over for her. Soon it will be. Good luck!

Did you know that Female Cats Are Right-Pawed, Males Are Lefties?
I guess that makes Koki and Mia right-pawed. This is completely useless information I know, but I'm a fan of the trivia. I'm right handed by the way. Just in case you were wondering.

Speaking of cats, here is a story. The other night Koki was laying on my bed and didn't feel like being bothered. I decided to pet her anyway and she was not happy with it. Usually she will bat me away or even cut me with her claws that I have let her grow out, but it is usually no big deal, but a lesson to leave her alone. That night she batted my hand away and her claw got stuck in my wrist. She started to pull while I pulled back in pain and it really hurt as we had a tug of war with her claw in my wrist. The dangers of pet ownership. What I can tell you is that next time I'm just gonna leave her alone. I decided to make my own pop art version of the experience thanks to a friend's suggestion. Here it is. I never was much of an artist.

I saw previews for the movie 500 Days of Summer and for some reason I'm very much looking forward to seeing this movie. From the friends that have reviewed it, I've heard very good things. Unfortunately, it isn't out everywhere. Here in Austin, so far I have only found it at the Drafthouse. I need to figure out a way watch it and that is always a great place. My list of movies I'd like to see keep growing.

Gov. Rick Perry Says Texas Will Secede from Government Health Care. Meanwhile, 1 in 4 Texans Lack Coverage.
In the video Maddow really lets him have it because Perry is talking about "seceding" from any national healthcare plan, reminding him (and us) that he's been governor for nine years. As she points out, one in four Texans lack health insurance, giving Texas the title for highest number of uninsured citizens in the entire country. We are the example of everything that is wrong with the healthcare system. I can't wait for Kay to take him out. Too bad we will end up with Kay, but I'm in Texas, best of two evils right.


My cousin Rino is moving out this week. I hope not for wanting to get away, but for wanting to move in with Jess. Right now they are busy packing and moving things. I'm sad to see him go, you just take for granted having someone there to talk to, have dinner with and go and do things with. I hope he likes his new place. He was a great roommate I'd have to say. He will be missed, but then again he won't be that far so I shouldn't think about it so much. His washer and dryer are going with him, which I'm sure we will also miss.

Oh by the way, today Choreographer Merce Cunningham died at 90. He was a colossus of 20th-century choreography; his career in dance, which lasted more than 60 years. Just a little random culture.

Now I have this list, places to visit and movies to see and I still look forward to carrying out that list.

would rather clean than...

Sisters

"Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of. You know whatever you do, they'll still be there." ~Amy Li

Tuesday, July 21st, was my younger sister Eliza's 28th birthday. She is growing up. I hope she had an enjoyable day with her girls. I think they are going to celebrate this weekend when everyone is in town. Those are the drawbacks of being away. Tuesday was also the day that my sister Vero's grave marker finally arrived and was set on her plot. This is such great news. We have waited 6 long years for something that should normally happen in months, but due to the way circumstances unfolded, it took years. The story may be a long one, but it has a happy ending. Everything was resolved and now my sister has a proper memorial. This makes me very happy and I can't wait to visit. My sister Eliza's birthday was a great day for this to fall on.

Of course this brings all these emotions to the fore and reminds me how much I miss my sister. Just thinking about it hurts sometimes. This is it though, my last year being younger than my sister Vero, I don't know why, but that moment is big for me. This made me go back and read entries I had written in the past about remembering my sister that have helped me cope. I thought I would share some thoughts I pulled out that I revisited.

Remembering - February 16, 2009

I miss you very much. I wonder how things would be different if you were still around. The wisdom I never got to learn from you. I could go off an how proud your girls make me, but you already know.

Five Years Gone By - February 16, 2008

I know that during your life you had to deal with the normal things I'm probably going through now. Bekkah is probably going through those types of teenage experiences now, and I'm sure you are giving her strength. She has your determination and people skills, so I try not to worry.

Letter to Vero on Jamie's Bday - September 8, 2007

There is so much I can say about the girls, but I'm sure you follow them much more closely than I get to. They are growing up to be so smart, caring, thoughtful and beautiful. I promise to try to be a good role model and uncle for them as I try for everyone else in our family. You taught them well and they really take after you in so many ways. They used to get extra love because they reminded me so much of you, but now they just get it for being their own wonderful selves.

Three Years in a Flash - February 16, 2006

As each year passes, you worry that memories will fade, that she will be the memory of my sister and not my sister. I don't know what to say when people ask me how many brothers and sisters I have. I remember the last time I was home, only two months before, sitting on her bed as she shared with me what was going on in her life, asking for my advice. And then you think that so many people go through this, sometimes in much worse ways and what kills you is that you know you are going to have to go through it again.

Veronica - February 26, 2003

This is something that is really hard to accept and I don't think I it has really sunk it yet. The pain I felt inside my stomach hurt more than I had ever experienced. I really don't know what to think or what to feel. On the one hand I'm sad because I miss my sister, but on the other I am happy for her because I have faith that she has moved on to bigger and better things.

Flickr Albums - My Sister Veronica

This also makes me realize how blessed I am to have two other great sisters, Ana and Eliza who I love much much. I'm very lucky to have them in my lives and can't describe how much they mean to me. I am lucky to have my entire family in my lives and I hope they realize that. A lot of things may go unsaid, but I hope it is communicated.

Ok, well back the mundane right, the daily thoughts on my mind that seem in comparison so inconsequential.

I was talking to a dear friend about goals and intentions the other day. It got me thinking about my own personal goals and all the categories I would put them in. I'm a person that works well with lists I think. You know, the type that even adds the non-list item to the list just to check it off right after I have done it. I figured I'd visit some of those lists. What are the things I want in my life? There is the abstract right, peace of mind, health, happiness and love. Then you have things I would aspire to, to be kind, thoughtful, patient, passionate, creative, and charitable. Then you have the petty material possession wants, such as a PS3, 3GS, other random gadgets, event tickets and whatnot. You also have the hobbies or skills, such as playing the guitar, keyboard, running a marathon (dare I saw triathlon), travel or being an awesome at salsa. The main goal on my mind right now though is owning a home. I know it is the American dream and people that can't afford to own a home shouldn't be in one since well it clearly hurt the economy, but it's a dream I haven't given up on. That is what you dream of as a kid, your dream job, your car and a home. I feel like a home would give my life stability in finally setting roots someplace. For so long I've gone where the wind has taken me, or where I have followed it to, and never really created my own home. To make a goal happen you have to commit to it and I have yet to commit to this goal because I still haven't decided if it is prudent. Too bad, on paper it is a bad idea if not a down right impossible one. We'll see I guess.

A while back I wrote about my saga with my car and a flat tire. Today I took my car in to get the tire checked out to make sure it was safe to drive on. Well I pretty much found out that once you get a flat on the type of tires I have, you have to get a new tire. They run about $425 I'm told. Yeah, ridiculous, even for these pretty impressive tires that run flat. So I'm going to have to shop around and get this taken care of. This is not a bill I'm looking forward to.

All this talk about the anniversary of the moon landing has been educational. I really enjoyed the following video. Buzz Aldrin Punches Moon Landing Conspiracy Theorist In The Face (VIDEO)
Aldrin tells the man to get away from him, and when he refuses, Aldrin promptly punches him in the face. The guy did have it coming, at least that is what a judge decided. Of course, I have a feeling that that punch to the face was probably staged.

In Harry Potter news, Emma Watson Is Going to College At Brown
Watson, 19, will be attending Brown University in Providence, R.I., she confirmed to Paste magazine, saying, "I am [going to university in the Fall] -- to Brown, which is an Ivy League establishment in the U.S.A. I've got a place there to read literature." I respect intelligent actresses.


I am always impressed with what people decide to study. Here was one study that I thought validated common sense. Different Friendship Styles For Boys And Girls: Study
The thing I love about girls' BFFs is that the forever part is very rare I think. Not mentioned in the study is fact that girls seem to go through many best friends over the years. BFRN? (right now). Then you have those girls whose main core of friends are that of guys. I've met girls that just don't get along well with other girls. Friendships in general are complicated.

I hope you felt you knew me