My House Is Not A Home

I think that my home is a good representation of myself, although I'm not sure if that's a good thing.

I've noticed over the years that when I move into an apartment, I tend to leave my walls bare, buy cheap furniture, and do very little nesting. Some of my friends thought that was odd, and I never understood why until a few years ago. Most people want to settle and make a place their own. My MO is to move around after a few years, so my dwellings reflect that tendency. Why spend time and money on a place if I'm just going up and leave in a few years?

Many probably think my transient lifestyle doesn't make sense, but it's always worked for me. Until now. While I enjoy moving from place to place, I've also had the need to eventually settle down, and I'm starting to think that time is near.

The crazy thing is, I don't think my end destination is where I'm currently located, so my apartment will remain unvarnished for now.

My New Toy: Roku XDS vs. Apple TV

'Tis the season for frivolous spending, and right now I'm trying to decide on which unneeded hi-def media player to buy. So far the two contenders are the Roku XDS player or the new second-gen Apple TV. On paper, it looks like the Roku player should win hands down, but as always it's hard to say no to Steve Jobs.

Over the last couple of months I've tried to ween myself from Apple and it's flashy yet expensive products. I went with the Android based HTC Aria over the iPhone 4, and I keep choosing PCs over the sleek and stylish Macs. Unfortunately, I'm always drawn to the darkside that is Apple (while I like my Aria, I should have bought the iPhone 4), which is why I'm kicking around the idea of buying the Apple TV.

Today, the Roku XDS seems like a better buy. It can stream Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon VOD, and other specialty channels. For me, the biggest draws are Hulu Plus and Amazon VOD because I'm looking for a way to watch and archive TV shows/movies I watch in a legal way (i.e. no torrents). I don't know if I'd actually use Hulu Plus because in the long run paying $9/month to watch a current season of shows would probably cost more than buying the episodes via Amazon. It also has a USB port so I can play video files I have on my hard drive but only if they're MP4.

On the other hand, Apple TV could do what I'm looking for from Roku assuming I don't need Hulu Plus. From what I've read, you can still stream content you've purchased via iTunes on the Apple TV if you have network sharing activated. So, you can still buy shows and movies on iTunes (like you can do on Amazon), and stream them over the air instead of having a cloud of media like Roku.

Really, which one to go with depends on whether or not I'm planning on buying other Apple products. If I end up with an iPhone 4, iPod Touch, or iPad then it would be better to have an Apple TV because of the ability to integrate with said products. I've thought about buying an iPod Touch since it's a better media player than my Aria, but I don't need a ton of features for on-the-go playing, and my phone is adequate. The only upside of having an iOS 4 device if the ability to have a mobile version of Hulu Plus and the iTunes store.

The thing is, I don't NEED either device. I have a Blu-Ray player that already has Netflix Instant and allows me to play video files (more than just MP4), and if I'm not going to sign up for Hulu Plus then there really isn't a point in buying either. Too bad I have this need to buy unnecessary electronics.

My Million Dollar Question

What would I do with a million dollars?

If I had a million dollars, the first thing I'd do is take care of my debt so I won't have to worry about it anymore. I really should have listened to the people who said having a credit card in college was a bad idea.

Once I've paid back what I owe, I'd buy a modest, but nice, house probably somewhere near the ocean. I don't know which ocean it would be next to, but I know that it has to be near the water. If I had to make a decision though, I'd probably end up going with Hawaii since I have family there. Works for me.

So debt's taken care of, have a place to live, next I'd probably do some investing/saving so I can live off interest rather than be stuck working at a job that bores me. I don't know if I'd have enough money to actually live off interest, but I don't need a lot to be happy, so I figure I could make it work.

More than likely I'd spread the wealth by helping out family members with things they need and donate some to worthwhile charities. It really is good to give back you know.

Finally, I'd probably travel for a bit. Ideally, I'd hit up my dream vacation spots that I've written about here before. Again, I wouldn't need to travel in luxury, but getting out and seeing the world is a must.

If I had any left over change, I'd think about starting up a business of some sort. Something that would challenge me creatively and tap into what I love.

That's all do-able with a cool mil, right?

My Two-Cents on Halloween

This may sound odd, but I've never been a fan of Halloween. I think my aversion to the "holiday" has to do with the fact that I never had a traditional Halloween while growing up.

I lived in the country outside of a West Texas city, and while we had neighbors (we didn't live in the middle of nowhere) we never really partook in activities that kids who lived in actual neighborhoods did like Trick or Treating.

If I strain myself, I can remember going Trick or Treating only once during my childhood. My lack of participation in the ritual had nothing to do with my parents level of love for me; it just wasn't as easy to go house to house out in the country. The funny thing is I don't feel like I missed out by not having traditional Halloween memories.

My dad was an elementary school principal, so instead of bugging my neighbors for free sweets, my Halloweens usually involved me going to school carnivals every year. These festivals were the highlight of my Octobers, and I never needed Trick or Treating to be happy.

As an adult, my need to celebrate Halloween diminished even more. Maybe I'm a stick in the mud or something, but adults have turned Halloween into just another reason to get drunk, dress like prostitutes, and act a fool. The only difference between Halloween and any other night out is you get to see half-naked women at the start of the night instead of at the end.

My dislike for Halloween really kicked in once I started working for residence life departments at universities. For some reason, I was always on-call during Halloween weekend, which meant I had to deal with drunk college students more than usual, and this time they were dressed up like naughty cops or nurses while throwing up. Not fun.

I don't begrudge those who live it up during Halloween. They have every right to have a good time, even if it's not my idea of one. That being said, part of me does wish I was more into Halloween than I am. Ah well.

My Radio Silence

It looks like I haven't had anything interesting to write about over the last month. I wish I could say that I had too many things going on write entries, but unfortunately that's not the case. My life so far has pretty much revolved around work and family. All great things, don't get me wrong, but not the most interesting blog subjects...at least not lately. Hopefully things will get interesting soon.

My New Toy: HTC Aria vs. iPhone 4, Rd. 2

For the last couple of months, I was going back and forth about which new smartphone I was going to purchase. In one corner was the iPhone 4 and in the other, AT&T's mid-range Android phone the HTC Aria.

I've owned the first-generation iPhone for three years, so I was originally going to go with the newest version, but I was so smitten by the Aria that it was no longer a no-brainer. I did tons of research, played with models in the AT&T store, and obsessed on the decision for weeks.

Last week I finally went with the Aria. The first couple of days with the phone were frustrating because I was trying to figure out the new Android OS, but the Aria has slowly been growing on me. Unfortunately, I'm still not 100% sold.

I still have a few more weeks to test out the Aria, or I can exchange it for the iPhone 4 with the promotional price. Right now, my inclination is to go back to Apple so I can have a phone I'm familiar with, but I don't want to short-change the Aria either. Plus, I know that I haven't used my HTC device to its full potential. Maybe I should have waited a little bit longer...ah well.

My Kitchen Redux: Episode II - Revenge of the Wisk

The month of May was spent trying out a new hobby that I've been meaning to pick up: cooking. For a few weeks there, I was actually doing OK when it came to cooking my own meals. While I wasn't Tyler Florence by the end of the month, I did make some eatable dishes.

Then everything went to Hell in a handbasket once June hit. I went two whole months with little to no cooking. There were a few times I made some Hamburger Helper, but I don't think that really qualifies as cooking. I just ran out of steam and motivation, and once again got caught up in the convenience of dining or carrying out.

As August begins (or has just begun), once again I'm making it my goal to cook more often. I've actually been saving some recipes I've found online, so at least now I have some go-tos at my disposal, which will make it easier to decide what's for dinner.

I actually liked cooking for myself, and I do want to make it a habit, but it's so easy to drive by Panda Express to pick up some orange chicken...and it's so tasty. OK, enough of that. I'm serious this time.

My Toughest Decision

Usually, I can make a snap decision, move forward, and not really give it a second thought. Apparently, I use take this approach when it comes to buying a new phone. I've been sharing my thoughts about the iPhone 4 and the HTC Aria, but some new players have entered the competition. Namely, the HTC Droid Incredible and the Samsung Galaxy S.

Now, you would think picking a phone really shouldn't be that big of a deal, but choosing something besides the iPhone or the Aria would mean I would have to change wireless carriers (Verizon for the Droid Incredible, Sprint or T-Mobile for the Galaxy S). Making that kind of change and commitment is not an easy decision.

I was with Sprint prior to moving to Cingular (now AT&T), and I didn't have a bad experience but I changed because I didn't like their phone selection. So far, I've been content with AT&T and wouldn't mind sticking around, but their new voice and data plans are kind of odd.

Verizon and the Droid Incredible started to take a slight lead, but apparently they're going to a similar model for their plans as well. I wouldn't mind going back to Sprint or moving over to T-Mobile if their phones are worth the hassle of changing carriers. Hopefully, I'll have the chance to play with the Samsung Epic (Sprint) and the Samsung Vibrant to help me with my decision.

Or I can just stick to my good ole first gen iPhone...

My Thoughts on Apple's Mea Culpa

So, Apple had an intimate press conference to address the antenna issue with the new iPhone 4. I didn't get to watch the conference, but I did read up on various web sites while they were live blogging/chatting about what Steve Jobs had to say.

In a nutshell, Apple admitted that the iPhone 4 glitch, but so do all smartphones. They threw out numbers to try and convince people that this issue is not a big deal, and to make customers happy they will be giving out free Bumpers/cases or refunds for those who already bought a Bumper.

As a potential buyer, this press conference didn't convince me to take the risk on the iPhone 4 just yet. I wanted to hear what Apple is planning on doing to fix the hardware problem, but the only solution I read was, "here's a free rubber band for your phone". That doesn't make me want an iPhone 4 any more than I did yesterday, and if anything I'm less likely to purchase one today.

The Bumper offer seems like a temporary fix rather than a real solution. If Jobs had said our new batch of iPhone 4's will have a new antenna design, then I'd be willing to be patient, but I didn't read anything coming close to that. Apple may have glossed over the idea by saying it will continue to think of fixes and yadda yadda yadda, but since they've known about this problem for a while now it shouldn't take that long to come up with a real solution. Heck, they should have been expecting this and been prepared, but apparently they didn't think it was going to be a big deal.

Also, the attitude of "every smartphone has issues" and "we painted a bulls-eye on ours" was kind of a cop-out, and it left a bad taste in my mouth. I know you have to have an ego to lead such a large corporation, but using the excuse that this happens and it's just not us (I'll even show you how our competitors have the same problems) seems kind of cowardly. Jobs should have taken the hit, without pointing fingers at others, manned up and outlined a real solution rather than giving away a $30 rubber band-aid.

Did today's presser move me closer to Android? Not really. I still have a "devil you know" mentality, and so far I haven't read anything that has sold me on getting an Android phone (the HTC Aria in particular). It's not like I need a new phone now (although my 1st Gen iPhone did start acting funny when the new version came out), and I can wait a few more months to see if Apple starts acting right. The thing is, we shouldn't have to wait for a fix...

My Dream Vacation

I'm convinced that if I ever toured the Mediterranean I would never come back, and I'd be totally fine with that.

The thought of seeing Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Israel, Turkey, Morocco, and Egypt is exciting. While, I probably won't have the chance to hit all of those places, my goal is to visit a few of them, which is totally do-able.

Also, Australia would be a really cool vacation spot. In reality, all I really need to be happy is the water and a beach. Simple, right?

My Must Re-Read Book

This might sound kind of odd, but the only books I've been able to read over and over again are the Harry Potter books.

I've never been much of a reader (something I want to change), but I was hooked on the HP series after watching the 'Prisoner of Azkaban' movie. I've read every book at least twice, especially before a book or movie release.

Some people might think re-reading the HP books is lame, but JK Rowling ignited an interest in reading, which isn't a bad thing. I've been trying to be better-read, but I haven't come across a book that's wowed me. Suggestions would be appreciated.

My New Toy: iPhone 4 vs. HTC Aria

A few days have gone by, and I'm still not sure if I want to take a risk on the iPhone 4. I still think a lot of the complaining about the glitches are being blown out of proportion, but I also don't want to drop a ton of cash on a product with known issues. Plus, Apple's response of "it happens and just hold it another way or buy one of our bumpers" was kind of off-putting.

I went to a Sprint store to check out the HTC EVO 4G, and man is that an ugly phone. I'm sure all of the Android nuts are wetting themselves with excitement, but to me the phone is way too big. A lot of people online are calling the EVO a mini-iPad because of its size. Once I actually had the chance to see and play with one, I was convinced that the EVO was not for me.

Then I went to an AT&T store to play with the iPhone 4, and the model I used didn't have any issues that I could tell, but I still wasn't sold. I meandered around the store and I stumbled across the HTC Aria, which is a mid-level Android phone for AT&T. I was immediately smitten with its hardware, and the interface seemed good but I'm far from an expert. Of course I had to go home to do some research on the Aria, and what I've found hasn't been really good or bad.

The experts online seem to think that the Aria is a serviceable Android phone, and while it's not as powerful as an EVO, Droid Incredible, or Droid X, it's still a decent little device. The only real bad thing I've read about the Aria is that it's not able to side-load non-market applications, but I have no idea what the means so I doubt that will factor in my decision. If I decided to switch from Apple to Android, Aria would be my starter phone. The thing I still don't know enough about Android or the Aria to be confident enough to make that kind of change.

Like I mentioned before, I've been committed to Apple and its iPhone for too long, and I don't have the patience to learn how to work a brand new type of phone (which is funny because that's the same reason why I haven't switched from PC to Mac). Plus, I started to pay attention to how I hold my iPhone, and with some minor modifications the snafu on the new phone really shouldn't affect me. It was fun playing the field for a little bit, but I think my heart belongs to iPhone 4...although I never say never.

My Favorite Summer Memory

When I was a kid, my dad took me on a mini road trip around Texas. At the time, I wasn't really into it because I didn't want to waste my precious summer days in the car.

Now that I'm older, I realize what a great experience that trip was. We went to Sea World in San Antonio, had the chance to visit some of the great rivers in Central Texas, and we even camped out for a few days.

The activities themselves were fun, but not as important as the time I got to spend with my dad. Growing up I was always kind of scared of my dad because he was the disciplinarian of the family, but the time we spent together helped me realize how much he loves me.

My dad will do anything for me, and I can only hope that I'm half the man he is if I'm lucky enough to start a family of my own. I can't wait to take my kids on mini-road trips just like he did with me.

My New Toy: PS3 vs. Wii vs. XBox 360

I've never been much of a gamer, and I even donated my Playstation 2 and XBox to Goodwill when I moved from Portland because I just never used them. When I bought my HDTV, I toyed with the idea of getting a gaming console just to add to my home entertainment set-up.

I kept going back and forth between the three for various reasons. XBox 360 seems to be the cheapest for a bare-bones model which should be fine for what I would use it for (a few games here and there, but nothing hardcore). The Wii is probably still the "it" console to have, but part of me is waiting for the shine to come off of the apple. The PS 3 is a monster, but so is the price, so it's hard for me to justify spending that kind of money.

For the longest time, the tie-breaker for me was Netflix, so I ended up skipping the consoles altogether and went with an LG Blu-Ray player mostly because it could stream my Netflix Instant Queue without having to get an extra disc like on the PS 3 and Wii. Now, Hulu is what can sway my allegiances, and it looks like Sony's Playstation 3 will be the console to incorporate the standard of online video.

A few months ago, I blogged about how I'd be OK with paying a monthly fee for a premium version of Hulu if a suitable device could stream the video onto my HDTV. It looks like my wish is close to being granted, but I might have to shell out a pretty penny to take advantage of the service. Luckily, devices like the PS 3 are great multi-taskers.

So, as of right now PS 3 has taken the lead, but I won't be really looking at buying one until I get my new iPhone 4, and I don't know when that's going to be thanks to all of the glitches. I'm fine with waiting because Hulu on my laptop is still cool in my book.

My iPhone 4 Second Thoughts

So, today is the big day when the new iPhone 4 officially releases, and based on some feedback online, the honeymoon might already be over. Sites like mashable.com and engadget.com are exposing some pretty big problems that are plaguing Apple's shiny new toy. Apparently, just holding the phone will cause you to lose connectivity. Wow.

Now, I wasn't one of those who just had to pre-order an iPhone 4 last week, and there's no way in hell I'd wait in a long-ass line for hours on end for a new phone, so I'm not really impacted as of right now, but I am starting to have second thoughts about buying one.

I've had my first-gen iPhone for close to three years now, but even then I bought mine a few months after the initial release. I was planning on doing the same with the iPhone 4 because new technologies like this are bound to have some bugs to work out, but these problems seem like biggies. I doubt Apple will be able to fix the glitches over the next couple of months, so I don't know when will be a good time to buy a new iPhone.

Unfortunately, I'm antsy and I've been planning on getting  new phone for sometime now. The iPhone 4 hiccups are making me rethink if it is the right phone for me. I don't know enough about Android phones, but the new HTC Evo 4G is a hot item, and most of the feedback has been positive (although most of those bragging about the Evo are bashing the iPhone 4). I don't know if I want to go back to Sprint (I never had issues with their service in the past), but I'm not too confident about the iPhone. The thing is, these problems might only be found on a few handsets, and my hesitance maybe unfounded, but I can't justify dropping a massive amount of cash on a product that has these kinds of issues.

On the other hand, I'm too pot-committed to Apple and the iPhone. I'm used to the phone's infrastructure and the way it works. I have too many songs, videos, apps, etc. that are iPhone specific and having to re-buy or convert them is a hassle I'd like to avoid, but so is having a phone that cannot make actual calls.

Really, I just need to be patient, let Apple fix the problems with the iPhone 4, and buy a new one once the major issues are ironed out. Until then, I might just check out some of the newer smartphones, so I can make an informed decisions. A little flirting never hurt anyone...

My Leap

Have you ever felt that your entire life could change for the better if you just closed your eyes and jumped? There was a time when I wasn't afraid to make leaps of fate, but over the last couple of years those leaps have become shorter and fewer and far between.

I've had my share of disappointment and failure, and now I've become more gun-shy to just go for something that would probably make me happy. Part of me hates it that I cannot just do it, but the other part of me is tired of the let down. It just sucks because this is no way to live, and I know this yet here I am.

I wouldn't mind my lack of balls so much if I didn't need something else to fill this void in my life. Something's missing, and it's up to me to change it, and if I don't then I can only blame myself. I'm tired of blaming myself for my current station, but I'm also tired of coming up short. Unfortunately, the latter is winning...

My Two-Cents on the iPhone 4

Today was the day many have been waiting for as Apple unveiled the new iPhone 4 at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2010 in San Francisco, and this is the phone I've been waiting for because it pretty much has everything and then some.

The Design
From the two glass panels to the stainless steel band to the slimmer design, this has to be the sexiest looking phone ever created. Those who followed the initial leak a few months ago might not have been too surprised at the sleek new look since the model displayed today didn't change from the prototype, but up close it looks even more stunning.

The Bells & Whistles
Not only does the iPhone 4 look sexy, but it can do a ton of new tricks such as FaceTime (video calling), two cameras, the ability to record hi-def video with flash (and edit videos with iMovie for iPhone), and multitasking just to name a few. Add these cool new features to the the list of cool things the iPhone can already do, and you have the perfect smartphone (until iPhone 4.2 or iPhone 5 comes out). Even little things like changing your home screen's wallpaper is a nice added touch. Oh yeah, plus we'll be getting a Netflix app for free!

The Price
The only thing not slim and sexy about the iPhone 4 is the price. For those not changing plans to AT&T, we can expect to pay a nice chunk of change for our new toys (between $499 and $599). Of course new subscribers will get the discounted price, which has always bugged me. It makes sense to use a shiny new phone for bait, but throwing a bone to existing customers is a good idea too. I just hope the fact that my AT&T contract has expired means I can get the new iPhone for a cheaper price *fingers crossed*. In the end, it's not going to matter because I'm going to end up paying whatever Steve Jobs tells me to.

The Verdict
I want one! I've been biding my time, and passed up on the iPhone 3G and 3GS because this is the phone that I've wanted since day one. Is it nothing more than a flashy status symbol? Yes. Do I need it? No, but that hasn't stopped me before. Now, I just need to decide on the 16 or 32 gig version.

My Cooking Experiment Take 2

At the beginning of the month I blogged about my goal of cooking more, and with May coming to a close, I'm evaluating whether or not my experiment was a success. On one hand I did cook a lot more this month than ever before, but my enthusiasm for the culinary arts waned towards the end.

Also, I really didn't come across a recipe that blew my mind. Everything I cooked was tasty enough, but nothing I'd add to my list of go-to recipes, but I have had fun trying out new ideas. Right now, my tastes have been leaning more towards Mediterranean cuisine and stir-fries, but I'm trying to branch out. If anyone has favorite recipes to share, please pass them along.

The biggest drawback to this experiment continues to be spending money on food that ends up not being used. I've been trying to string along some recipes with common ingredients to cut down on the waste, but there are somethings that just end up sitting around like Greek style yogurt and various produce. I've always been hesitant to cook for this exact reason. I just need to figure out how to utilize my groceries better, but it's not easy to do so when you're a novice like myself.

With June right around the corner, I'm going to give this cooking deal one more shot to see if it will stick. So far, I've gained a sense of accomplishment when I have food I prepared myself sitting in front of me, but those feelings haven't outweighed the guilt of wasting food and money that's come along with it. Again, I'm sure I'll get the hang of things as time goes on, but I just hope it doesn't take too long.

My Kitchen: Week 2

Week 2 of my little cooking experiment was not as successful as my first one, mostly due to the fact that I didn't end up cooking as much as I wanted to. Out of the three meals I had planned, I was only able to get to two of them.

Last week I wasn't able to make up the Greek-style turkey burgers I had planned, so I made them on Sunday. They had a decent flavor to them, but the yogurt sauce was essentially a poor man's tzatziki. If I make them again, I'll definitely grill them instead of pan-frying like I was supposed to. Meal 2 was a chicken curry stir-fry with brown rice. I'll definitely make that one again once I figure out how to properly make brown rice. Every time I try to make it, even instant, I end up messing something up.

This week's menu will have the sesame chicken stir-fry that I wasn't able to get to, pizza joes, and maybe some kind of pasta dish, either a bow-tie or orzo since I still have some left over. I do have a creamy asparagus chicken with bow-tie and Mediterranean chicken with rosemary orzo recipe bookmarked. I do have to make up for lost time...

My Rainy Daze

One of the reasons I moved back to Texas was because I was tired of the gray, rainy days in Portland, OR.  Had I known that Central Texas was just as dreary during the winter and early spring, I would thought about sticking around PDX a little bit longer. The fact that I've really been missing Portland doesn't help things either.

My Kitchen: Week 1

So, I finally put my money where my mouth is and actually cooked for myself last week, and I have to say that the first week of my experiment was somewhat of a success. I still ended up going out to eat more than I would've liked, but that's because it's hard to break old habits.

Last week's menu consisted of three meals that were pretty straight forward and easy. Monday night I cooked up turkey sausage skillet with asparagus and orzo. It had nice flavor, and it's something I'll definitely try again. Unfortunately, I didn't cook again until Friday when I made a bow-tie pasta with chicken, bell peppers, and a little bit of green onion. Again, it was tasty enough, but I still have a long way to go. I was supposed to make Greek-style turkey burgers as well, but that recipe was put off until this week.

I'm still trying to put together another menu for this week, and I have some ideas, but one is kind of ambitious. The last couple of week's I've been obsessed with a Vietnamese sandwich called a banh mi. It's served on a Vietnamese baguette with assorted fillings, and the nearest place I can find one is in Austin. While Austin is not that far of a drive, I'm not willing to take that much time for a sandwich, so I'm going to try making my own. The thing is, they are more time consuming than I originally thought, so I'm putting that idea on the back burner for now. I am excited about tackling the banh mi though.

Right now, I'm thinking that this week I'll go for a stir-fry theme by making a sesame chicken stir-fry as well as a curried turkey version as well. I just hope I have better motivation this time around, and I stick to cooking more than eating out. I guess only time will tell. If anyone has any recipes they'd like to share, please let me know. I'm always keeping an eye out for new ideas.

My New Hobby: Cooking

For the longest time I've been meaning to pick up cooking, but I've always find reasons not to. I keep convincing myself that it's too expensive to cook at home, I'm too busy to shop for and fix meals, it's too much of a hassle to cook just for myself, and so forth and so on.

Obviously, all of my excuses are full of crap because they really don't hold much weight (with the exception of the cost argument, but if you cook right it should be that much more expensive), and I'm tired of making them. The thing is, there really isn't anything stopping me from picking up how to cook except for my laziness, and I do like to cook, so I just need to find the motivation to do so.

Over the weekend, I picked up some food magazines and nutrition guides to convince me to bust out of my rut and start cooking more. I know that it's a small step, but it's a start. With May just starting, my goal is to spend more time in the kitchen, and less time wasting money on food that's not good for me to begin with. Plus, it'll be good to have a few stand by recipes in my back pocket just in case I do meet a nice, young lady. Chick's dig a man that can cook...and puppies.

My Reason for Blogging

About a month ago, I wrote an entry about how I've come down with a case of writer's block when it comes to blogging about my personal life. I wrote about how I wanted to keep this blog as angst-free as possible, but I ultimately end up writing about the same subjects over and over again.

Recently, I've been trying to read other blogs for inspiration, and it started to become clear that the blogs that get the most attention tend to have a purpose behind them. Some people want to share all of the relationship ups and downs while others wax poetically about the world around them. Others like to share funny anecdotes about life, and so forth and so on. I also started to notice that some people take their blogs seriously, and they plot out and develop specific posts for specific reasons. After thinking about it, I realized that my blog really doesn't have a purpose or a direction.

I've never claimed to be a real blogger, and it shows after reading what others are putting out there. I started out blogging because I thought it'd be neat to share random thoughts that came to me or if something really interesting happened to me. For me blogging has always been a stream of consciousness medium where things just kind of come out. I've never really sat down and tried to come up with a thought provoking post much less write up a draft. Usually, I just sit down and start typing away.

Now, I could try to be cool and take the approach that I blog for me, and I don't care if others get what I'm trying to say, but that'd be a total lie. If I didn't want my blog to say something to others, then this would be a private journal. The thing is, I don't know what I want it to say.

I still don't think my life is interesting enough to share with the entire world, but if I don't then I have nothing to write about. I could spend countless hours writing about how many times I've missed out on love or about the one that got away, but I don't want to be that guy. Maybe I should just focus all of my time and energy on my entertainment blog since I always have something to write for that one, but there has to be more to life than TV and movies. I want what I write to matter...I just need to figure out to whom.

My Newest Obsession: Soccer

Baseball is up and running, the NBA Playoffs just started this weekend, but for some reason I'm disinterested in both. Over the last couple of years my sport of choice has been soccer, and I blame David Beckham.

I know most people think the Becks/Galaxy experiment was a bust in the States, but I'm one of those that really started to pay attention to Major League Soccer after he joined the L.A. side. Sure, MLS still isn't on par with the NFL, MLB, or the NBA, but I do think the league was able to turn casual fans into more die-hards.

Now, I'm much more interested in watching a Philadelphia Union/Toronto FC match than a Yankees/Red Sox game. I used to be a big Spurs fan, but I'd rather get tickets to an Austin Aztex/Portland Timbers game than heading down to San Antonio. If anything involving the UEFA Champions League or the EPL comes on the TV, I'll stop what I'm doing to catch up on European football, but I could careless about the upcoming NFL Draft. Don't get me started on the World Cup. I kind of feel un-American thanks to my soccer obsession.

Soccer will always be a niche sport in the States, which is a shame, but maybe someday it will become a bigger part of our sport culture. You never know, soccer might even over take hockey in terms of popularity in the U.S. (although playoff hockey is amazing to watch).

My New Toy: Netbook vs. iPad vs. iPhone 4G

While I'm not the most tech savvy person, I do have a pretty big addiction for fancy electronics. Last week was the big debut of Apple's iPad, and while I've been able to stay away from the Apple Store to play with the new "it" toy, I'm still trying to figure out what my next big purchase is going to be. Right now, I'm trying to decide if I'm going to go with a netbook, an iPad, or the new iPhone once it comes out. Each have its own cool little features, but there is no way I can afford all three, so it's decision time.

The thought of have a little, fully functioning computer is a pretty cool idea because who wants to lug around an already small version of a computer in laptop form. Everything I've heard about netbooks really haven't sold me on them just yet. They're not as powerful as a regular laptop which makes them a poor substitute to begin with, but being able to do most basic functions with a tiny computer is still a cool idea.

The new alternative to the netbook is the shiny iPad, which still seems like nothing more than a really big iPod Touch. I've read some of the reviews, researched some of the features, and I'm still not really interested, but I thought the same thing about the iPhone when it first came out. I do have to admit that the iPad looks pretty sexy, but it still doesn't have enough bells and whistles at this time. Buying an iPad now is kind of like dating a really hot chick with very little personality. Sure, you'll feel really cool at first, but you'll get bored pretty fast.

When it's all said and done, I'm almost positive that I'm going to end up buying the new iPhone once it officially drops. Buying my first iPhone was a really good decision, but I've been biding my time before upgrading. I've let the iPhone 3G and 3GS come and go because I was content with my first-gen model. I have a feeling though that the iPhone 4G will tempt me all over again. Plus, I'm pretty sure most of the features the iPad is going to have are going to be offered in some form for the iPhone, plus it'll be a phone. Multi-tasking is always a plus.

Deep down, I always knew my heart belonged to the iPhone, but I just getting antsy while waiting for the new model to come out. I just need to patient and avoid doing something hasty like jumping into bed with the first sexy mobile computing device that crosses my path.

My Epiphany

For some reason I've always had itchy feet, which means I cannot stay in one place for very long. I really cannot pin-point why I have this need to move around, but I do know that it is some instinctual thing because I don't feel comfortable if I'm settled.

I'd be content moving across the country for years on end, but unfortunately I have other life goals that don't really mesh with my wandering ways. I'd like to meet the girl of my dreams, get married, and start a family sooner than later. It's kind of hard doing that if I don't stay in one place for more than a handful of years.

The last couple of weeks have caused me to ask a lot of questions, but I really haven't come across any of the answers. As always one option that automatically springs to mind is to move somewhere new and start all over, but I realized that the drawback of always starting over is I never get to the end. I'd like to think I'm heading somewhere rather than nowhere. I just wish settling down didn't scare the crap out of me.

My Getaways: America's Past-Time

With today being Opening Day of the 2010 Major League Baseball season, I couldn't help but be reminded of one of the earliest goals that I set for myself, which was visiting all of the Major League ballparks. I know that this is not a dream unique to just myself since many have reached this feat before, but it's still something I'd love to do. The thing is this goal has lost some of its luster since most of the old school parks have been replaced with state of the art stadiums, but there are a few I'd like to see sooner rather than later:

5. Oriole Park at Camden Yards: Baltimore Orioles

For some reason, I will always see Camden Yards as the forerunner of the modern day ballpark, and according to some sources, it's the blueprint that so many other organizations have copied. I just remember the opening of Oriole Park at Camden Yards being such a big deal, and it's always stuck with me, which is why it's one the short list of stadiums I want to see now. Plus, it has one of the best names in baseball because it's simple and void of commercialism. Good job Baltimore.

4. AT&T Park: San Francisco Giants

While on my roadtrip home from Oregon to Texas, I spent a few days in San Francisco, and while I didn't actually go into AT&T Park, I did get to drive by it. Even from the outside, I could tell that it was a nice park. You know that it's a modern park with some old school charm. Also, the idea of McCovey Cove is brilliant, and I wouldn't mind spending a few games just floating around waiting for home run balls.

3. U.S. Cellular Field: Chicago White Sox

To be honest, I could careless about the stadium (which has lost some of its appeal when it changed names from Comiskey Park to its current moniker), but I've always been a fan of the Chicago White Sox, so I would love to watch a home game on the South Side of Chicago. I'm still glad that it was the Chi-Sox that beat my beloved Astros during the World Series. I wouldn't have had it any other way.

2. Wrigley Field: Chicago Cubs

Since I'm a White Sox fan, I have no desire to support the Cubs (plus they're in the NL Central, which makes them divisional rivals of the Houston Astros), but I have to admit that seeing Wrigley Field would be an amazing experience. The old school parks are becoming a rare breed, and Wrigley is one of the few still around. I need to see the ivy-covered wall and the rooftop seats before the Cubbies decide to follow in the footsteps of every other club.

1. Fenway Park: Boston Red Sox

The only team I like less than the Chicago Cubs and the New York Yankees is the Boston Red Sox. I really don't have any ill-will towards the franchise, but their fans are insufferable (even more so now that they've actually started winning championships). With that being said, I'd love to watch a home game amongst them because any baseball fan has to. I'm pretty sure for many going to a game at Fenway is a religious experience, and it's one that I'd like to partake in while I still can. Plus, I really want to sing "Sweet Caroline" during the 8th. You don't get to do that just anywhere.

So, there you have it, the top five ballparks that I'd love to see. Sure, I wouldn't mind seeing dumps like Tropicana Field (Tampa Bay Rays) and Sun Life Stadium (Florida Marlins) someday, but these five parks are the cream of the crop in my opinion, and I need to experience them before it's too late.

I can just smell the hot dogs...

My Shadows

Have you ever actually felt someone drift away from you? You can still see them, but it's very faint, and you have this feeling that they'd slip away if you blinked and you'd never seem them again.

This is how I'm starting to see those who used to be close to me. I can kind of see them, and I remember how I felt while I was around them, but I have a sense of loss and longing...emptiness. Then they just become shadows that surround me.

I can still sense them, but I just can't see them anymore, and as things get murkier I start to wonder if they'll ever be in view again.

My April's Fool

It seems like March 1 was just yesterday, and now it's already April Fools' Day. While I never been a fan of this pseudo-holiday, I've decided to use it as motivation to stop acting foolish this month. March was a crazy time, and I didn't take time for myself or to enjoy my surroundings. I know that April is going to be just as nutty, but I'm dedicating myself to not letting the madness take over. I just need to figure out how to do that. Suggestions are welcome.

My Eyes are Open

Last night, I caught an episode of Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution on ABC, and I was both shocked and saddened when I saw what we Americans are doing to ourselves and to our children when it comes to food. Check out this promo about Jamie's mission in America:

My eyes were opened last night not to just what is being served to children in our schools, but to my own mistakes and what I also need to do to live a better life.

When I first heard about Jamie's new show, I felt it was an inspired idea, but I also worried that it would fall on deaf ears. According to last night's ratings, the American people are listening, and that is extremely encouraging. Let's hope Food Revolution catches on and becomes just that.

My Getaways: The Great Outdoors

I don't consider myself to be an outdoorsy kind of person, and this was proven during my time in Portland. I was the guy who thought it'd be OK to camp-out with nothing but a bed sheet during an Oregon summer (trust me, it gets cold at night up there). I'm also the guy who saw two of his buddies almost float down a river while being stuck in the middle of the water holding two fishing poles (wading was a foreign concept to me at the time, and still is). To be honest, I'm surprised I survived living up in Oregon.

While I'm not the world's greatest survivalist, I did develop a respect for the outdoors, and my interest in being more in tuned with nature was sparked while living in Portland. Plus, now I have a ton of camping stuff that I'd like to use more than once, so the thought of a camping road trip sounds mighty fine right about now.

A colleague of mine at Texas State mentioned that she once went on a camping tour de force that took her from Lubbock, TX through northern New Mexico and Arizona, down and over, and then back up. Honestly, her story prompted my urge to rough it for a few weeks, but I'd extend the trip.

Ideally, I'd start out in Big Bend, TX and work my way up north through New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. Then I'd hook a left towards the Pacific Coast which would take me through parts of Idaho and Washington. Down the coast through my old stomping ground and NorCal before cutting right to hit up Nevada and Utah. Then I'd travel through Arizona, back across New Mexico and my old home of West Texas, which brings me back to Central Texas.

Of course I'd be camping, hiking, and fishing the entire time...you know, like men do. Now, I just need to learn how to do those things or at least have a guide that would keep me from freezing my ass off. Either way.

My Doctor, Doctor

I was convinced once I finished up my masters degree, that would be it for me when it comes to furthering my education. For some reason, I've been rethinking that stance lately.

While at Portland State, I focused most of my studies on diversity, multiculturalism, and the identity development of multiracial individuals. These subjects really inspired my studies, and in the back of my mind I knew I'd enjoy continuing to study them, but at the time it was an afterthought.

Now, I'm considering going back to school to earn my PhD in education and building off of the foundation that I started at PSU. I've started to do some research on schools and it looks like there might be some interesting programs at the University of New Mexico and the University of Hawaii. I know that I'm still a few years away from actually applying, but the thought is kind of exciting, which surprises me.

Unfortunately, you don't need a doctorate in order to sell t-shirts on the beach.

My New Tunes

 

I can't believe that I had never heard of James Morrison before today, and of course I can really relate to this song. Go figure.

My March Blahness

I can understand why March Madness is so popular, but I've always found it to be overrated. I'm more of a college football kind of person.

With that being said, of course I'm going to hope that Texas A&M wins, Texas loses, and we get some great upsets. Plus, anytime Notre Dame loses (way to go Old Dominion!) is aces in my book.

I'll check out some of the games if I don't have anything better to do, but I'm sure things would be different if I had filled out a bracket.

My Luck of the Irish

It's hard to believe that it's been 4 years since I spent St. Patrick's Day in Ireland. My good friend Kelly decided to leave Portland to be with her then fiance (now hubby) in Ireland. While I knew that I was going to miss her, I totally understood. Plus it gave me a reason to visit her.

I remember my friend Adam and I were sitting in a PDX bar, and I said how I wanted to head over the Ireland for Spring Break to visit Kelly, asked if he was interested in joining. The next thing I knew we were booking flights to Dublin. Pretty sweet.

Spending a week in Ireland, and celebrating St. Patty's Day over there, was one of those wonderful times in my life that I'll never forget. Especially, since I had the chance to have this awesome experience with some of my favorite people in the world. We all grown up (well Kelly and Adam have at least), moved on to new adventures, but we'll always have Ireland.

My Getaways: Islands & Beaches

Last week was spring break for the student's of Texas State, and while I did have to work, it was nice having a slower week before the craziness that is registration ensues. I do have to admit that I was a little bit jealous of those that had the chance to get out of town for a bit. I need to get away too.

I know that I've blogged about traveling in the past, but seeing the world is one of the goals that I'm really adamant about, and I feel that it's is a pretty obtainable one. The only things standing in my way of being a globletrotter are my lack of funds, time, and travel buddies. If I had all three I'd be writing this entry from a beach somewhere. C'est la vie.

While I may not have to resources to travel the world right at my fingertips, I do have the drive to do it sooner than later because I don't want to have any regrets. Ten years from now I don't want to say, "I wish I had seen ______ when I had the chance". Money's starting to collect in the bank, the excitement levels are rising, and now I just need to spin the globe and pick a place.

My top destinations are pretty standard compared to the well-traveled's point-of-view, but it's all new to me. Italy is very high on my list, and while I'd like to do the standard stuff like see Rome, Venice, etc., I've heard nothing but good things about Cinque Terre. It's like some mythical place based on all of the hype that I've been told. I just need to see it for myself.

Second on my list is Greece. I don't think I'd be all that into Athens, but one of the smaller islands would probably blow my mind. I've said it before, and I'll say it until it happens, I will never come back if I ever make it to Greece

Speaking of islands, I've just jumped on the Majorca bandwagon. I really don't know much about the Spanish island except for the fact that I want to go there. I think it's because it is an island, which means water, which is a must in my book. That's reason enough for me. I'm sure I'd enjoy mainland Spain as well. Apparently, Barcelona is the place  to be, but I wouldn't be opposed to making a stop in Madrid either.

Hmm, where else? Australia is also very high on my list. Of course big cities like Sydney and Melbourne would be must-sees, but I'd like to spend as much time on the beaches like Surf Coast and on the Great Ocean Road. See why I want to pick up surfing?

I wouldn't say no to Hawaii or Mexico either. As you can tell, there's a theme going on here. Give me the three Ses (sun, sand, and surf), and I'm a happy man. Sounds reasonable, right?

My Writer's Block

One of my goals is to keep my blog interesting even if only a handful of people might read it, and I try to keep it as angst-free as possible, but it seems like all I can write about is what I haven't done with my life, the ones that got away, or where I'd rather be than here. I guess that's a fail on my part.

The crazy thing is, I have no problem coming up with things to write about for my entertainment blog, but for some reason my personal thoughts are too few and far between. I just cannot think of topics to write about that don't involve the life I could be living...I want to share the journey I'm on now, but for some reason it's not that interesting.

If someone is reading this post, and can think of an interesting topic for me to go on and on about, please share because I need to changes things up for a bit.

My 29th Year

This past Monday was my 29th birthday, which means I'm one step closer to 30. Bummer. I'm not afraid of hitting the big 3-0, I'm just not where I thought I'd be once I met that milestone. I'm still not married, I still don't have kids, and I still haven't won my Oscar.

I know that I still have a ton of time to reach my goals, but everyone had a list of accomplishments they wanted to reach by the age of 30, and I just wish I had more things crossed off of mine than I do. Or any for that matter. Ah well, c'est la vie.

My New Goal

For some reason, I've never been one for hobbies outside of dabbling in writing from time to time, but there is one thing that I'd like to learn and master: surfing.

About a year ago, I was in Hawaii visiting family, and while on Maui we checked out the little town of Pāʻia, which is famous for its windsurfing. While looking out at the water, I couldn't help but feel like I belonged there, which sparked my interest in picking up surfing.

My trip to Hawaii not only made me want to learn a new sport, but it also made me realize how much I love being by the water, and how the beach bum lifestyle would suit me.

I used to joke about running off to Mexico to sell t-shirts on the beach to tourists, but the more I think about, the more appealing that vocation sounds. Hawaii has plenty of tourists that need t-shirts, and I could earn some cash to pay for surfing lessons. It's all coming together...

My Lack of Passion

About a year ago, I wrote an entry about how I didn't have any direction when it came to my life and work mostly due to the fact that there's nothing that I'm truly passionate about. I'd like to report that things have changed, and I have a better idea of what I want to do with my life because I found my one true passion, but unfortunately I can't. I'm still looking though.

The thought of throwing myself back into my writing has crossed my mind, but I've pretty much come to terms with the fact that my dreams of being a serious writer are over. I need to find something real to fill this void. I'm still convinced that this hole can be filled by some kind of service. Now, I just need to figure out what that means.

I'm still interested in working with children through Big Brothers Big Sisters, but the thought of working with animals in shelters also has some appeal. It's not really finding something to do that is the problem, rather finding the motivation to get out there to do something. Sometimes, I don't know how people can dedicate their lives to others when I can barely live my own life. I guess figuring out the answer is the first step towards becoming complete...

My Blah-entine's Day

This time last year, I was talking about how I was OK with being single during Valentine's Day because of how in flux my life was at the time.  Oh what a difference a year makes because here we have another Valentine's Day, and yes I'm still single, but this time I'm not as cool with my relationship status (or lack of one).

I guess the biggest reason why I'm not too jazzed about being single is because last year I knew I was moving away from Portland, and now I know that I'm going to be in San Marcos for the next couple of years.  Sure, I've only been in town a little over four months, so it shouldn't be too surprising that I haven't found the love of my life, but I thought that I'd have at least some prospectives by now.

Then again, I know that deep down I'm just biding my time because I have a pretty good idea who I am meant for, and going down random roads with random people isn't going to lead to her.  I just have to be patient, and let things unfold. Is that romantic or just crazy?

P.S. - On a somewhat related note, check out PostSecret's V-Day inspired "Sunday Secrets" post.

My Old Stomping Grounds

So on a whim, I drove to San Antonio this afternoon, and I couldn't help but feel mixed emotions after I came back to San Marcos because going back reminded me of a lot great times I had, but it also reminded about how things have changed.

My time in San Antonio were the best years of my life because I grew up a lot, came into my own, and became the person that I am today. It was a great experience, but I always knew that in order for me to really grow I had to leave, which was a driving factor in me moving up to Portland. Even though I don't regret moving to Oregon, part of me always thinks about how my life would be if I stayed in San Antonio.

Even though I loved my time in San Antonio, I don't think I could ever go back.  I'm just a very different person then I was those many years ago, and returning would be a big step backwards. Right now, I'm only interested in moving forward, rediscovering myself, and growing even more.  Going back to San Antonio would not let me do those things.

What led me to this realization was a visit to my alma matter, the University of Texas at San Antonio. Being back at UTSA opened my eyes to how much things have changed. It was interesting being back on campus because it has cool seeing how much it has grown, but it was also a little sad because it is not the same school that I went to. I went to UTSA because it wasn't UT-Austin or Texas A&M.  It was a smaller school trying to find its identity, and by doing that it wanted to become like everything else.  While becoming a more prestigious institution, UTSA has lost some of its scrappiness, and that's what drew me there.

The school was not the only thing that's changed because the city itself is not the same place I moved to. San Antonio always felt like a really big town to me despite being a major metropolitan area. Over the last couple of years the city has blown up and become a bloated version of itself with all of the strip malls and fancy shopping centers. It doesn't have that small town feel to it because it's looking more and more like a major city, and more power to them. I'm glad SA has grown so much, but it's not the place I fell in love with so many years ago. Too many things have changed, but that's life.

While I was driving around SA, I dawned on me how five years could feel like a lifetime.  Being back felt familiar but so different at the same time, and I realized that was my old life and I needed to move on. Despite knowing that my time in San Antonio is behind me, I still love that city because it helped shape me into the person that I am today, and it helped me realize what else I need to do. I'm glad that the place that helped me grow up also helped me realize that I still have a ways to go.

My Rewind

Today was one of those days that you just want to take back.  To be honest, it wasn't the worst day I've ever had, but it was far from the best.  And I know that everyday is not going to be a winner, but for some reason today really threw me off my game, and it had me asking myself some really serious questions.  Told ya, it was one of those.  I'm just glad that it's almost over, and I get another shot tomorrow.

My Super Blog XLIV

I think I'm un-American or something because I'm really not that excited about tonight's Super Bowl game between the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints (I think it's because I wanted it to be the Minnesota Vikings vs. the New York Jets), but knowing me I'll still watch it, or at least most of it.

As always, I'm going to be cheering for the Saints because they are the underdogs (the same reason I rooted for the Cardinals last year), and it'd be nice to see New Orleans celebrate a Super Bowl victory after everything the city has been through.

I do hope it's at least a competitive game, on par with last year's because blow-outs are never fun to watch.

UPDATE:
So far, the game has only been OK, but I am glad that the Saints are playing like the scrappy underdogs that they are. I hope they can hold on...

UPDATE 2:
Geaux Saints! It's going to be a crazy night in the French Quarter tonight!

My Tumbling Tumbleweed

Once again, I find myself going back on something that I thought I wanted.  A few posts ago, I talked about how seeing my nieces made me realize that I want to start settling down and yadda, yadda, yadda.  After a couple of days, I'm not so sure that's the case anymore.

The thought of being cemented to one place has always been unnerving to me.  Maybe I'm just not the settling type, and I'm the kind of person that needs to shake things up from time to time, even if the act of constant change is a pattern unto itself (ironic, right?).

I'm bringing this up because one day I had this idea that was kind of exciting, and I could not remember the last time I was excited.  I told myself how cool it would be if I set a goal for myself that involved me living in ten different cities throughout the country.  At the time it sounded like an admirable target to hit.

What's even more encouraging is the fact that I'm almost half way there since I've spent time in Midland, San Antonio, Portland, and now San Marcos.  My sights are now set on Austin, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, Boulder or Ft. Collins, and Hawaii.  Sounds do-able?

I know that this is a lofty goal, and I'd be lucky to get to one or two of these cities, but it's good to be ambitious (or delusional).  And I know that I need to figure out what I'm chasing after before I end up without a true home because maybe it's just around the corner instead of half-way across the country.

My Acceptance

I've always fancied myself a writer, although I've gotten out of the habit, and I had aspirations of earning a living with my words.  As time has gone by, it's become apparent that the dream is never going to get off of the ground, and now I'm starting to think that it's time for me to come to terms with this insight.

Hell, I struggle with coming up with interesting things to write about on this blog, and I don't even have an audience.  I can usually spout of some random comments about a TV show that I watch, or my knee jerk reactions to a movie I've seen, but I rarely crank out anything of significance on my blogs, and I can't help but feel like a failure.  Then again, I've never thought of myself as a real blogger.  I'm just some dude that jots down random thoughts, so I guess I could cut myself a break.

The crazy thing is, I used to think, "One day I'm going to do it. I'm going to be a writer, and I'm going to write a movie that wins Best Picture, and everything I'm doing now is temporary".  The realization is staring to hit me that my life right now is not temporary, and this is probably it.  Unfortunately, I've spent too much time sitting around thinking about what could have been instead of focusing on what is at hand.  I kind of feel like things have passed me by.  Whoopsie.

Then it just dawned on me that I'm still somewhat young, and I still have a lot of living to do.  Maybe I will write something significant one day, or maybe I'll end up exactly where I need to be and doing exactly what I'm meant to do.  All I can really do is accept the fact that this is life, and I need to do more time enjoying it.

My Time in Houston

I had the chance to get out of San Marcos for a few days, and I headed over to Houston to meet my new niece.  While I was there, I realized two things: I have the cutest nieces ever, and I think I'm almost ready to settle down and have a family.  I just need to find someone to settle down with...and learn how to hold a baby without freaking out.

My Stumptown

For some reason I've really been missing Portland lately.  Maybe it's because of all of the Leverage that I've been watching, but I have a feeling there's more to it than that.  I just miss the culture and vibe, and more importantly all of my PDX friends.

I was lucky to have met some of the greatest people on the planet while living up in Portland, and while it was hard leaving them behind, I knew that I had to at the time.  Now, I'm kicking myself a little bit for taking off like that, but I'm still convinced that I needed to come home, even if it's only for a little while.  Maybe my path will take me back to the Northwest...you never know.

The crazy thing is, I didn't think I'd be missing PDX like this, but the old adage is true, you don't know what you have until it's gone.  I took Portland for granted, and didn't take full advantage of what the city had to offer while I was living up there.  I just need to make sure I don't make that mistake again, and I need to live it up in Austin while I'm in Central Texas because I don't need anymore regret.

Luckily for me, I have plenty of reasons to visit Portland and places to crash.  This time around, I won't let the charm of the city go to waste.

My R&R

So, I know that I've only been on the job for about three months, but I'm ready for a vacation, and when I say vacation, I mean "vacation".  I know that I'm probably going to be headed to Houston soon to see the new baby, but seeing family for the weekend doesn't usually count as a getaway.

If I had my way I'd be hitting up the Bay Area, traveling up and down the East Coast, or cruising around the Mediterranean (if I had the cash).  Really, all I'm looking for is an excuse to get out of town for a little bit so I can clear my head, so maybe the place isn't as important.  Although, a trip back to Hawaii wouldn't totally suck.

Too bad I don't have the money or time to get some rest and relaxation.  Oh yeah, and the lack of a travel buddy makes it hard to get motivated to hit the road.  Sure, I can travel solo, but it's more fun to have someone to share the experience with.

Until I find these things, I'll just have to keep on taking these vacations in my mind...

My New Niece

I got the call earlier tonight that my sister had her second baby girl this morning.  The little buddle's name is Catarina Mika Vu, and she and her mother are doing splendidly.  I'm super excited for my sister and her husband, and I can't wait to meet her.

My Changes

The end of the year is coming up, and that means it's almost time for the annual New Year's Resolutions to be formed. I keep saying that I'm not a resolution person, yet every year I'm on one of my blog's talking about what I want to change in my life. Every year it sounds the same...

This year I moved yet again.  This time I left Portland, OR for my home state of Texas, and even though I was heading home I knew that I wanted something new, so I set my sites on Austin. I haven't made it to ATX yet, but I landed in San Marcos which is close enough for now.

The reason where I'm living now is important is because I once again vowed to change my life, and I was convinced that a new locale would be the first step towards that change. Yet here I am living the same life I was up in Oregon. Hell, the rain even followed me down here. The words, "the more things change, the more they stay the same", are true. It's a cliche for a reason.

Life here in San Marcos is pretty much in the same rut that it was in up in Portland. I'm still single, I'm still trying to figure out what to do with my life, and I'm still trying to convince myself that I'm OK with all of it. I keep telling myself that it's only for now, and that things are going to change, and I continue to wait. Just like I did in Oregon.

It just dawned on me that moving from place to place doesn't really change anything if you don't let it. You're just going through the same existence, just in different surroundings. So, I guess what I'm saying is that my new resolution is to create the change that I thought would accompany my relocation rather than just expecting it to happen.

But at least now I have Whataburger...