G-Dragon~

Last week marked the triumphant visit of Lechon Kinenbi and it was quite a dashing-good time. New videos, stuffing our faces with food, K-World, and Sunny were among the many moments shared by the trifecta of awesomeness. An enjoyable tradition held on the rooftops upon dear cousin's arrival proved to be too cold for ill-equipped feet. However, the moon itself indeed presented itself with its blueness as we kicked back one bottle then wiped out various amounts back in the loft. As friendship always comes together in such good terms, time surely passes by when you're having fun. And I must say, that was quite a splendiferous time I won't take for granted. A new sensation had also been realized in the form of the most peculiar of eyedrops. I'm not sure if the fresh sensation is because the burning had subsided (because anything would feel fresh after burning) but, as dear cousin had stated, "It's like you threw a piece of gum in your eye and now it's minty fresh." Indeed, it felt quite invigorating. I just might have to have Puraw Wave acquire some for me as well~

Roughly around the same time, another best friend/rival arrived in CO with his dear girlfriend. After years of anticipation, we were finally reunited under the context of me playing chauffeur. Denver to COSprings back to Denver to hang out then COSprings to drop the tourists home and finally back home to Denver [fucker still owes me gas money]. He was able to me my girlfriend as I was finally able to meet his. The end result was a dinner at Village Inn (he and I were the only ones to partake....which is a shame) and a snowy drive back. The return trip also invited reason to try an energy drink that supposedly contains NO2. The end result was a headache and an upset tummy. The latter would like to try various flavors. I'll have to respectfully decline. That aside, it was good to see my friend in good spirits. He plans to return to CO in august as a permanent fixture. We shall see how that carries out for he's been trying to move back to the Rocky Mountain State for the last few years now~

I had just finished reading Count and after 2 years, I feel quite accomplished. Monte Cristo is one certified bad-ass and he should be viewed as a god. Next book will be something a little less frenchy, a little less lengthy and told with animals as the main cast. Animal Farm, here I come~

Finding that I owe taxes this year comes as a shocker. Primarily because I worked my ass off. After repeatedly being screwed while I was employed at my previous job, they still managed to screw me over after leaving their services. With my current job, I would've gotten back $800+. However, by adding both W2s from both jobs, I owe our government $400. The car fund had yet again been put on pause. I'm so very close, too. Although I've been saying it for almost a decade, "This year, for sure~"

Will things work out this time around? I hope so. All the work I've been putting in can't be for nothing. I want things to present itself as it has to others. I want to lay in the warmth of satisfaction, gaze at what I accomplished and say that I am proud. At that point, I hope to be free of worry and strive for a higher, better place~

"In the shipwreck of life -- for life is an eternal shipwreck of our hopes -- I throw all my useless baggage in the sea...and remain with my will...and consequently free~"
-Mlle Eugenie Danglars, The Count of Monte Cristo

"...until the day when God deigns to unveil the future to mankind, all human wisdom is contained in these two words: 'wait' and 'hope'!"
-Edmond Dantes, The Count of Monte Cristo

Elevator~

It feels like a lot has happened since I last stepped foot in this place. However, it's as though nothing's changed just the same. I find myself in a type of limbo of sorts. I"m unable to distinguish the rights and wrongs, good or bad, etc. I want to try and see the bigger picture. Everyone arond me seems to be able to. I woner why I'm the only one who can't. Perhaps I'm viewing an entirely different image. Call it being "an original thinker." I sometimes see it as being the odd one out or being out of the loop. Is it a test of will? Strength? Patience? I believe all great people face some kind of adversity before realizing their goal/dream. Perhaps this is my moment is what I tell myself. It's been quite some time already. Just the same, it feels too long of a trial. A test of will indeed. I start to question my abilities. If any of the hard work or anything I've endured is even worth it. Sometimes, I want to give in. But then I remember...I'm stubborn and I don't like to give up so easily. It's not so much that I don't feel it's pointless. I jsut refuse to lose~

At work, there's five key points of success:
-Be Knowledgeable.
-Do It Right the First Time.
-Take Responsibility.
-Spend Money Like It's Your Own.
-Think Long-Term.
These are key points that are used to better the company. HOwever, I've started to think of myself as "the company" and these points are ideas I must keep in mind for business to be successful~

Speaking of work, it's brought to my attention how much I hate people. All the more reason to work even harder to transfer to a different department. After talks w/ my superiors, I've gained a kind of gung-ho confidence to perform as efficiently as possible. My main issue is AHT [Average Handle Time. The goal is 6mins30sec]. It's my primary weakness. After feeling confident in my abilities, there's always those few that fuck it up for me. The other day, I had a call that lasted almost 29 mins. Earlier this week, a call lasted 1hr20mins [of course, this occurs right when I'm supposed to clock out]. If I don't meet my AHT goal, I can't transfer and I'm stuck dealing witht assholes. Of course, they always have to ruin everything. Like I said, I hate people~

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The holidays have been a bit of a rollercoaster. I got to spend time with the GF. That's always a plus. She got me the SFIV Ryu keychain and Rei Ayanami earphones. Pretty sweet, I must say. Good w/ the lady. What hurts, however, is the financial situation. Rent being one of them (see previous post). I pay almost as much as Puraw-Wave but get 100sqft less. I've decided to search for a townhome. I can find a 2bd2ba and pay close to what I am now [give or take]. It's more motivation to move on up. Also, I agree w/ Wave in the case of the demands of a relationship. The toll is heavy indeed. The other major problem is the mode of transport. About a month ago, it died on me. Repairs were costly. It dramatically dipped into my barely-existing car fund. This forced me to wake up 2-3 hrs before my scheduled shift in order to take public transportation. In single digit weather [sometimes negative], the walk to lightrail is very unpleasant. All the more rason to be more motivated. With OT and taxes coming up, it seems like more of a realilty~

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I crave something more. What I have now isn't cutting it. It's becoming stagnant again. Where's all the desire there used to be? It's as though it's no longer needed or wanted for that matter. I can't keep pretending everything's okay when it clearly isn't. Something needs to happen. I want evidence that it's still something desirable and that we shouldn't be complacent. If that's the case, however, it's probably time to find a new outlet~

Currently: contemplating my next move~

Deprivation~

First order of business: I just left the leasing office of my current residence. I must say that I'm not very pleased at all by the whole ordeal. Just recently, my rent has gone up due to finally acquiring a parking spot in the garage (after a 10 month long wait). This was a $20 increase on what I was originally paying. After receiving a notice on my door, the rate increase is higher than what I'm currently paying now (this excludes the additional amount for parking). All in all, my rent has increased by $40 in the span of 3 months. With the property's income restriction cap, the rate seems like an almost impossible feat to perform on a monthly basis. Essentially, a tennant is left to feel that each hard-earned paycheck is devoted to rent. Any other type of necessity or luxury is out of the question. I can't end my contract because 2 months is nowhere near enough time to find a new dwelling quarters. Not to mention the actual act of moving. A month to research and a month to move everything is a ridiculous notion. Even a 6-month lease doesn't provide enough time to get everything settled. Breaking a lease includes ridiculous penalties (the fee itself makes me want to shit all over the hallways). All I can do is bear it until the new lease is up. I've already played around w/ the notion of finding a new place but this new turn of events is more motivation to actually do some hardcore research. And to think....I desperately wanted to live here (yeah...when the starting rate was under $500) but with a web of lies and deception, it's not looking too bright. Its sad to think that, since I've moved to Denver in 2003, I've lived in 5 different places [soon to be 6 come next year]. An average of moving once a year is not a good statistic as far as I'm concerned. If my current residence had a face, I'd punch it with a heaven-piercing drill attatched at each one of my knuckles~

It's Christmas season....I could've sworn I just bought presents and now I'm doing it all over again. Thank goodness for the new job. The increased income helps greatly in comparrison to my last place of employment. People have expensive tastes. Luckily, I don't have many people to shop for. It would be nice if I could make a purchase for my own present but anything too extravegant would be regretted later (especially with this new turn of events with rent and all). I had researched an HDTV for quite some time but the more I look at the grand scheme of things, the TV can wait. As I had made a promise to myself that this year would've been the year to get a car (which did seem very likey), the opportunity never arose as far as finding the car with my desired specs. Sure, I do have the funds to make a purchase but the product itself is nowhere to be found. I've been pretty good about saving money as well as restricting my impulse buys so it'll be more likely that things are FOR SURE come 2010. With that said, I'm hoping my Christmas recipient will enjoy her gift. The girlfriend is a hard person to shop for (if you're reading this, Jordan...I'm sowwy if it's not what you wanted =[ i tried)~

Mundane activity seems to be a reoccuring thing in my life as of late. It's work in the wee hours of the morning until (sometimes) late in the afternoon. Usually followed by well-deserved sleep. As far as social life goes, I'm quite happy that I've been spending more time w/ the girlfriend. It's unfortunate that my work hours are restricting. Otherwise, we'd have more things to do than our usual visit to the local "readery" or teen-haven known as the mall (unless you live in Aurora where you get carded during family night). Selection of movies haven't been up to par lately, either. This also restricts the kind of activities we may partake in. Popcorn has gone stale and I don't feel like shelling out more of my hard-earned money for it. Not unless there's something out there that'll blow my visual intake sockets right out of my skull~

As time progresses, the will of natural instinct has grown. However, the longer we go, it becomes more of an accustomed emptiness. As it is a natural part of life, that desire needs to be filled. Unfortunately, the times have not presented itself. Attempts of maybe having those needs fulfilled are as quickly shot down as the hint is conceived~
Business hasn't been good and sales have dropped dramatically. At this rate, it's only a matter of time until the shops have closed down and the need for consumers will no longer be required~

So far, the end of the year is looking like a craptacular failure. I'm hoping that things will look better during the final weeks of 2009. As we strive forward to a new beginning, it's hopeful that new vigor will replenish the soul and will give reason to continue on this journey. The worst that could happen would be to end this journey and begin a new one. With all the work and effort I've put in, that would feel like defeat. However, I'm the type of person that refuses to be defeated~

"....it isn't zero. As far as I'm concerned, that makes it the same as a 100% chance." -Simon, TTGL

Currently reading: 1984 by George Orwell~
Also enjoying: DJ Hero on HARD, the last of my blooming teas~

G-Droppin~

It's been quite some time since I last blogged. I can't really say that a LOT has happened since the last time...just been a little bit preoccupied. I've been settling into my new job recently. Going on almost 2 months since I first started and, for the most part, I'm enjoying it. Less stress about the miniscule things I worried about at the last place. With where I'm at now, there's only "looking forward" and that's pretty much what I need right now~

Just recently, I celebrated Thanksgiving with Jordan and, I must say, it was quite delicious. Unfortunately, I had to work that morning but the end result was a wonderful, home-cooked meal. Not to mention time with the GF. What more could you ask for (I don't normally require much to be satisfied). The following day, Jordan treated me to an early birthday. Due to my work schedule, I can't be up late on Saturdays so she took me out to dinner on Friday. Pappadeaux is FREAKING AMAZING~!!! After all the talk that my friends have mentioned about its seafood, I finally got my fill on it and that shit is bomb. It's pricey, indeed. But I'd say it's worth every penny. Afterwards, checked out some Ninja Assassin. As JKU said on the BOOK, there's a slight mancrush on Rain. I won't say "slight" in my case. I'm going Full-Blown. He got stupid-buff for this movie. As he's quoted in a training video, "Rain is fantastic." Not to mention, that fucker can dance. And pretty funny in "I'm A Cyborg, But That's Okay." Nice sleepover w/ my boo then went out to fooding again Saturday night. This time, Buffalo Wild Wings route and, as always, delicious. The gift she got me was DJ Hero. Fun times, especially since you can co-op w/ a guitar. Just have to unlock more songs and it'll be splendiferous~

I'm almost done watching Palace. I have one more episode to watch. I started at one point but fell asleep so I'll have to get back to it again. After that, WAVE let me borrow TTGL. At first, the character designs turned me off to the series. But after testimony from Lechon Kinenbi, the series is pretty epic. Keep in mind, we rarely use the word "epic" do describe anything. However, that's just what TTGL is....epic~

Currently, at Best Buy, there's a Sony 32" LCD 1080p, 120mH for under....wait for it.....$400~! After contemplating the size of my apt and comparing the tv my parents have, the targeted 40" just might be overkill for me. But that aside, it sounds/looks perfect for what I wanna do (primarily gaming). Granted, I'm not a hardcore gamer by any means. That aside, a Sony 1080p for less that $400 is a steal deal. Hopefully, by next paycheck, they'll still have some in stock. I think I just might have to make an early Christmas Purchase~

For now, that's all I have to update on. A little shorter than usual. But I don't think it matters. Not many people read this anyways (on xanga, primarily). Just the same, life [in general] shows improvement. That's what we need the most. Times are, for the most part, rough. When things get bad, there's only one way to go and I feel that I'm doing quite well on my climb~

Currently: getting pretty damn hungry~

Network~

My days as an angel/demon (depending on the situation) has ended. It was a long journey but that ship has sailed and now I've found myself aboard a new mode of transport. The benefit of this new vessel includes a 23.73% (est.) pay increase, less work for more pay, more opportunity to grow, and less shady management. Even more so, there's the potential to increase my payrate by 30%-40% in a year's time. I'm very excited about this change. Granted, it's not what I want to do in life but it's many steps up from what I was doing barely a week ago. I didn't even get to put in my 2-weeks notice but, honestly, there weren't any bridges to be burned. This new job could develop into a career. I won't deny that possibility. Still, I feel incredibly relieved~

Shortly after my first day on the job, I was fortunate enough to celebrate my 3-Year anniversary. It's been another long journey with numerous roadbumps. Still, I'm very grateful that we've come this far. A comment had been made just recently about status but I would like to hope that the matter has been clarified and that she and I will be able to see that happily ever after that many couples strive for. As for the night itself, she came away with a PS3-Slim and I got to increase my tea collection with blooming teas. They're exquisite~

The car fund has seen better days. As reserve, I'm unable to touch it due to the nature of the job market. Sure, I'm at a place where things are more stable. Still, it's nice to have a back-up plan. With the anniversary, driving (in general), food (in general), bills, and what other expenses, the ownership of an S14 will [once again] be put on hold. I had promised myself I would acquire it by the end of this year. It's still a possibility but, for now, I'll have to play it safe and wait for a better opportunity to present itself~

I'm thinking, sooner or later, I'm going to have to get my ROCK on. It might have to be just one of those "once a month" kinda splurges. What sucks though is that there's so much I want to splurge on. I put Tekken 6 on reserve so that'll be the next thing that'll put me back. There's still the DJ Hero package. Played the demo and I'm looking forward to the actual game. Gonna be sweet. All in all, there's sooo much that I want to buy. With my previous job, they seemed almost impossible. Now, it's more believable that I can achieve what I actually set out to do~

Currently: awaiting Thursday (should get 2 paychecks back-to-back)~

Steal Deal~

With the current release of the new PS3 Slim and it's welcomed price drop, I felt it necessary to give it a looksie. However, me being the type never to get the first round of anything due to worry of being a statistic for working out bugs, I focused my attention on the 80GB Playstation 3 "Fat." I wasn't really thinking too heavily about it until Jordan and I made a stop at this recently-openned outdoor mall in Centennial. Earlier that day, I saw the PS3 Slim on display (along with Dissidia) at a near-by Best Buy close to work. That lunch break gave me time to think about a possible purchase. Hearing the gamers at Best Buy, they said that the PS3 Fat will be discontinued entirely with the release of the Slim. Flash Forward to a few hours later at another Best Buy, I spotted a PS3 Fat in stock. I call my friend in Maine to look up some online stats. After sitting on the Best Buy floor for probably over a half hour, I decided to make a purchase. However, there were no ATMs in the vicinity so Jordan and I drove around to various Game Stops to get the opinions of the employees. Before making a purchase, I decided to go to the Best Buy at work and purchase Dissidia (it came with a free calendar) and figured I could just borrow my little sister's PSP. Later, Jordan and I go to the Game Stop on Colorado Blvd and they had a deal where, if you purchased the 80GB, you got an extra controller (Sony Brand) for free. A $60 value, I couldn't pass it up. Sure, the new Slim had 120GB, but not an extra controller. I proceeded to go to check-out and purchased myself a PS3 Fat. After ringing up my new toy, I saw across the counter....the actual Dissidia PSP package. Angrily, I shake my fist because I can't return the Dissidia game from Best Buy for I had already openned the package to look at the calendar. As far as I know, Game Stop is the only place that carries the Dissidia package so I can't return the game without just-reason. Even if I managed to, I doubt I'll be able to get store credit since it would most likely only be used on a similar item. Unless Best Buy provides the Dissidia package, I'm kinda stuck. Assuming Puraw-Wave is willing to try and "return" the game to Wal-Mart (supposedly, you don't need a receipt to do returns), it might shine some hope on my situation. Unfortunately, my car-fund has taken quite the hit......but I just couldn't pass it up. It was too good of a deal in my eyes. Besides, I've sorta been slaving at this car fund for quite some time. I've cut back on a LOT of expenses, practically starving. I think it's okay to splurge this one time~

After purchasing my new PS3 (unfortunately, not reverse-compatible), Jordan has been looking into making a purchase on the Slim Version. She's extra excited with the upcomming release of "Rock Band: Beatles." Unfortunately, she's worried that she won't be able to use the instruments from Rock Band 1 (PS2 Version) on a PS3. After constant back-and-forth with game expertise from both Best Buy and Game Stop, I suggested she bring her USB dongle and an instrument from her Rock Band package and we test it on my newly purchased PS3 Fat. SUCCESS~!!! I'm able to control my PS3 with her PS2 Rock Band Guitar (we rented Lego Batman to test out the PS3 and playing that game with a guitar is quite difficult). Last night, we made another visit to Game Stop so she can pre-order Rock Band: Beatles. It's her motivation to get a PS3 Slim now. She's trying to convince two of her sisters to put in $100 each by 9-9-09. The Cools just might have to make a comeback~

Two work opportunities have presented itself. One of which I've mentioned in my previous entry, unfortunately, seems a bit sketchy. I received a call to go on my second interview. After reading many reviews, I don't think I want to do it. Work Opportunity 2 comes in the form of a bank I frequent for my present job. I had my interview last week. Tag-teamed by 2 managers....very intimidating. However, I think it went well. The general rule is that if an interview lasts less than 15-20 minutes, it won't go well and consider the job goodbye. My interview started at 4PM. I didn't get out until 5:10PM. Based on that rule and being double-teamed, I think I'm in good standings~

The theory works. I'm a fan of things turning out in my favor~

Just recently, I got a phonecall from my parents informing me of a $50 ticket that wasn't paid from last month. That ruined my night on friday. However, things were made up by various treats such as the purchase of a new toy and Jordan treating for dinner at Benihana. I was a fan. I think it's funny that they teach the (mexican) chefs to say Japanese phrases. And I caught every single one. Even the Korean hostess/waitress said a few things in Japanese. If memory serves me correctly, I think they used the wrong form of certain words. It made me chuckle to myself. Jordan made the comment "Only you would be that observant of something like that. Us non-asians would never have noticed." It can't be helped. Years of anime will do that to a person~

As of late, time with the girlfriend has been quite wonderful. As the days go by, I'm enjoying every little bit of it. Does this mean I have to expect some kind of wrench being thrown into the gears? Statistically, it's probably gonna happen soon. I, however, never expect it. I never want it to happen. So far, so good, though. If it can keep running like how it's been, I can rest at ease. It makes me smile when we can spend time together without any kind of worry. Again, I'm a fan of things turning out in my favor~

Now....it's just time for me to hit the jackpot and buy my car and snag a new job and I will be happy for the rest of the year~

Currently: Waiting for Jordan to get out of work for more time-spending and possibly more Lego Batman~

Possibly~

After hearing all the commotion of future success and the road to the dream, I stumbled across what seemed to be an "almost too good to be true" posting on the inquiry website that is craigslist.org. In an almost desperation move, I began looking up various jobs on the website (although some people see it as very sketchy and others see it as quite credible. it's a matter of common sense and perspective). There was a posting for some art framing company that sells pieces at wholesale prices. While reviewing the content of the posting, it seemed a bit too fake by looking at how much a person could rake in during the course of a week ($500-$1200 weekly). However, the posting had an actual website and a phone-number. Upon viewing the website, it seemed too well-put-together to be a fake. The use of flash and all that was very professional. I called the phone number at it's legit. What's even more amazing is that they try to get new artists some exposure so I feel this could finally be my stepping stone into what I want to do...what I'm supposed to do. I sent in an application online and called the phone number to set up an interview. It's just playing the waiting game for a reply. Still, I'm very excited about this opportunity. Upon finding it, I literally came to tears. Hopefully soon, I can leave the world of collections and do a little "collecting" of my own~

I've come across a little theory about going up to Blackhawk and gambling. I feel that weekend gambling may not be the best way to increase one's monetary possession. I have this feeling that the best time to go to the Hawk would be during the beginning or middle of the week. My explanation is this: During the weekends, there are more people gambling. Therefore, there are more people making donations to the machines. This means it's less likely that a machine will have a better payout due to the flow of gamblers coming in and throwing their hard-earned money away. During the weekend, however, less players make donations in to the house. With that said, I think that the machines might be programmed to pay out a little more in hopes to keep those few gamblers playing more. It's quite possible that the slots are designed to pay out after x amount of pulls, regardless of the time of the week. However, it would seem like this theory would be more beneficial for the casinos (as far as weekend gamblers go). I've tested this theory a few times after an angry midnight drive. First experience: after a Sunday late night drive (just to go anywhere), I made my way up to Blackhawk because of the winding mountain road. I had no intention of playing. Since I was already up there, I figured I might as well give it a go. $20 on one machine, and I walked away with $40. Not bad, I would think. $20 on another and I walked away with $200 (I actually hit closer to $300 but decided to stop after a certain point of loss). $40 and increasing my cash by 4, I think it was a good way to make me feel better. Later that week after being upset, I decided to go again with Wave. I think I walked away with about $100? Not too shabby, I'd say. At first, I thought it was my luck that being angry would be a good time to gamble. Then I went on a weekend after having another tussle. I lost my cash as soon as I stepped into the door. At this point is when I began thinking about this theory. A week or 2 later, I went up to the Hawk again during the middle of the week and walked away with $160 (starting with $40). So far, so good. Is it just a fluke or could my theory be correct? I'm not entirely sure but things are working in my favor~

Back in the day, my parents said that if I were able to purchase a car with my own money, they would cover insurance. I slaved and put all my earnings into this car fund. When the day of truth came, my father decided to back out on his deal and never told me why I wasn't allowed to purchase my car. Since then, it's been an uphill battle of owning an S14. After a heated discussion about attaining my dream car back in my high school years, my parents decided to make another deal with me. If I can come up with have the money for a car, they'll put up the other half. I told them "I want that in writing~!" They just laughed at me and said "You doin't believe us?" I reminded them of the previous deal they made with me during high school. They quickly replied "We don't remember making such a deal with you." To this, I said "That's EXACTLY why I want it in writing." I quickly made a make-shift contract on a scratch sheet of paper and had my mom sign it as well as my younger sister to act as a witness. With my theory about gambling at Blackhawk, my car fund is building quite nicely. To add to the car fund, I've decided to pull my money out of TIAA CREF. Since I'm no longer employed at the hell hole that is ABC, no money is going into that account. It's just sitting there. It hasn't gained anything over the course of my employment so I felt it would be best to just take it out. Unfortunately, due to my age, there's a 20% tax as well as another 10% deduction for taking funds out early. Whatever, I want my money. from $1200, 20%+10% is quite the hit. Still, it's better than nothing. Now, it's just a matter of filling out the paper work and waiting for direct deposit~

On a more personal note, things haven't been best with the lady. After 33 months of trying to defend a friendship that doesn't need defending, heated battles of where my loyalties lay fuel the firey bickering of nonsense. I can understand (or try to understand) my lady's perspective. However, it's hard to go against everything I've fought for. I know what I sacrificed, I know what I put up with, I know what was lost/gained. In the end, it doesn't seem enough to calm the nerves. The arrival of BFF's birthday came to start another argument. The last time I saw her was 9 months ago. It wasn't even hanging out....it was a business transaction for a commission that I got paid for. I felt obligated to make an appearance, at least. Unfortunately, compromising was not in the interest of the latter. What was supposed to be a time of pleasantness and understanding resulted in another fight. I'm quite tired of this, really. My patience is low as it is. This doesn't help much. However, the positive thing about it was that I got to have a healthy dose of Korean BBQ in shortribs form, a burger or 2, and a good amount of frosted cupcakes. Food....how I love thee~

Currently: waiting for Brad's time to shine~