Quote of the Day

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Rumor Mill: Joe Torre in Dodger blue?

Rumors that former Yankee manager Joe Torre making the move from east coast to west coast are rampant. With no confirmation from Torre's manager, it has been reported that the former Bronx Bomber skipper has been offered Grady Little's job. The rumor flames were fanned yesterday as Little put in his official resignation.

Personally, I would love to see Torre in LA. It's been a long time since we've had a top caliber manager as Torre. I think since Tommy Lasorda. The Dodgers have been in the playoff hunt for years, but have fallen short many times. I think Torre can change that.

Side note:
As I read one of the articles on ESPN's website, I noticed an ad that seemed a bit off. It's quite funny actually. Can you tell what's off?

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Gamerpalooza

The weekend and, what we have lovingly dubbed, Gamerpalooza, is over. We had gamer friends Mike and Kimiko (aka Solid Mu) come in this weekend from Indiana to join us for a video game concert at Jesse Auditorium called Video Games Live. For those of who don't play video games, there is a lot of work that goes into making a game, especially a good one. And, believe it or not, there are actual music composers and songwriters that use their skill and talent to create music for video games. It's definitely an unappreciated field, with the exception of gamers of course. But that concert wasn't until Sunday evening, and Mike and Kimiko arrived at our place on Friday.

Corny Scary Movie Night
Mike and Kimiko arrived late Friday evening exhausted from an expected 7-hour drive that accumulated 2 hours due to St. Louis traffic and accidents on Interstate 70. Still, the couple looked forward to joining us for our planned events that night. The guys went off to Booches, a local pub in downtown Columbia that has great hamburgers and chili. And, Kimiko and I met up with the girls at Sarah's house for Corny Scary Movie Night. We arrived in the middle of Shawn of the Dead, which was entertaining, to say the least. We then watched Halloween 2 and clips of Creepshow 2 while enjoying yummy-not-so-good-for-you snacks. We threw in a bit of Guitar Hero 2 also.

We arrived home at about 1:30 a.m. The guys had just finished up some Halo 3 gaming. Matt, me, Mike and Kimiko sat in the living room and talked until 3:30 a.m. After hanging with them for just a few hours, we thoroughly enjoyed Mike and Kimiko's company.

Saturday Night Lights
Saturday started off a bit late. I woke up about 10:30 a.m. and put on a pot of coffee. After chatting with Mike and Kimiko, I made up a quick breakfast of scrambled eggs, turkey bacon and toast. We then headed into the living room and began our first gaming session of the day. We started off with some Guitar Here II and finished off with some Halo 3.

Around 3:00 p.m., Matt and I got up to start on the Carne Asada meal planned for linner (lunch, dinner). We were expecting a few more friends for great food, drink, and fun. Everyone started arriving around 4:30 p.m.

At about 6:00 p.m. we all discussed heading to Woodcrest (our church) that evening. They were highlighting a special service called Creative Arts Weekend, a combination of music and drama to tell a story. After a bit of talking, we all decided to head to the 6:30 p.m. service. That way, we could get back home in time to play and not have to worry about getting up early on Sunday.

The service was excellent! The music was wonderfully written and performed and the video was a great addition to the show. Mike and Kimiko are musically inclined so they enjoyed themselves. I took them over to Kidcrest after the service to show them around.

After the tour, we headed back to our place. Sarah and Chris joined us. We played Halo 3 until about 2:00 a.m., when Sarah and Chris had to go home to let their puppy out. Mike headed to bed at that point. But, Matt, me and Kimiko stayed up to play some more. We nearly completed the game, with one level remaining when we looked up at the clock. It was 7:00 a.m.! We went to bed at that point.

The Columbia Experience
Sunday morning was off to a later start than the previous day. I woke up at 12:30 p.m. I think Matt and Kimiko were up at about 10:30 a.m. (crazies). We chatted a bit and nibbled on some snacks. Around 2:30 p.m. we headed over to meet Sarah and Chris at Shakespeare's (the new location). We ate and talked for over an hour and stopped by Best Buy on our way over to Matt's mom's house. She was going to watch Isa so we could to the show this evening. We grabbed the Guitar Hero III bundle that included the game and the new wireless guitar. Now, Matt and I could play together.

We hoped we'd have some time to play before the concert, but after dropping off Isa it was way too late. Mike and Kimiko were going to volunteer to help at the show and needed to be there no later than 5:30 p.m. We arrived and they headed off to their assigned spots and Matt and I hung out and watched the local crowd.

Matt caught a glimpse of an arcade that had Space Invaders, a game he loved as a little boy. So, he headed off in that direction. I walked around and took pictures of the people in costumes. I figured it would be great for Matt and Todd to put up on Short Attention Gamer. We ran into a woman who was nuts about Halo 3. So nuts, that she actually had a tattoo of Master Chief, the main character, on her arm. I'll include photos a bit later so you can see it for yourself. Man, is she dedicated.

Video Games Live
Once we had enough of the madness in the lobby, we made our way to the auditorium and found our seats up in the balcony. We could see the blank big screen and the orchestra and choir preparing for the show.

The evening was great. We were taken through the evolution of gaming music from basic bleeps and blops to the symphonic arrangement of the Halo trilogy. Also featured that night was a phenomenal piano player named Martin Leung. This young phenom played the greats, Nintendo and Final Fantasy. Many in the YouTube community know his as the Video Game Pianist.

The show was capped off by the 3-part arrangement from the Halo trilogy. This was outstanding. The combination of instruments and choir singers was just incredible. It's definitely something all gamers should see and experience.

Side note: Matt missed winning the Space Invaders competition by 130 points.

After the show, we walked over to MSTA, where Matt and Todd work, and also do their podcast (Short Attention Gamer). Kimiko wanted to see the setup. Once there, we took pictures of Mike and Kimiko pretending to be Matt and Todd.

We then headed home and played Guitar Hero III. Note: They've been having issues with the guitar, and, just our luck, the green button on our guitar didn't work. Luckily, Mike and Kimiko brought theirs. Crisis averted. Off to bed about 3:00 a.m.

Farewell Stinks
Monday morning Matt and I called into work. I was going to take the morning off and head in later. Matt, was feeling off and on all weekend so he just stayed home. After a bit of chatting and farewells, Mike and Kimiko got in their car and headed back home to Indiana. You could actually feel a let down in our house. Matt, me and Isa were a bit saddened that they had to leave.

We talked about meeting up again in St. Louis when VGL is there in January. Time to put it into the budget.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Scope of the damage

Henry and Vanessa are fine. Their apartment was spared from the charred mess the fires have left in their wake. The fires are still burning, but for now, my family is out of harm's way.

I went to OC Register's website this morning to get some updates. I came across the map of the area where the fires have been burning. I just can't believe the damage. I remember driving down Santiago Canyon Road many times for practice and to visit my sister Vero in Corona. The hills were beautiful and made for a much nicer drive than taking the freeway. Now, the hills are just black and some are still burning.

Just to give you guys a better idea, I've included the Google Map of the affected area.


View Larger Map



Henry and Vanessa live in Portola Hills, just at the edge of the fires. Talk about a close call. Praise God.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Quote for the day

Today's quote of the day comes from George Washington:

"Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation;
for it is better to be alone than in bad company."

Prayers for the burned west coast

Photo: Steve Zylius, The Orange County Register

I'm sure most of you are aware of the craziness going on in California. If not, wildfires have burned much of the west coast leaving charred remains of land and homes in its wake from Los Angeles to San Diego. In the middle of that is Orange County, where I was born and raised. My family still lives there. And when news broke out about the fires in OC I immediately logged on to OCregister's website to get some more information.

I read that one of the fires was burning awfully close to my brother's apartment. I grabbed my phone and called Henry to see if he was okay and to get some more information. He said he and Vanessa, his girlfriend, were on alert and had their bags packed and ready to go. The flames had burned a mere 200 feet from his apartment when they were pushed back by firefighters. Still, there is always the threat that the Santa Ana winds could blow their direction. He told me to call our parents later for more information, since that's the place they would go for shelter. Our parents only live a few miles away but aren't in any danger.

I talked to my mom this morning and she said Henry was fine and they didn't have to evacuate last night. But, mom and dad were ready if they needed to get out. She said the worst part, this morning, is that the smoke is blowing into their house. It could be worse I suppose. She said that last night her and my dad walked over to the park a few houses down and watched the flames slowly creep up Saddleback mountain. She said the orange glow looked like a snake as it made it's way up the mountain.

Side note:
As I made my way to work this morning, I was listening to Kid Craddock on Y107, a local radio station, as they talked about the wildfires. They made a few insensitive jokes about it and just talked about the celebrities who were losing their homes to the fires. Tom Hanks is the one I remember. But, I was struck by the utter lack of compassion and sensitivity these dj's displayed. They did mention that it was 'bad' what was going on over there. But, to crack the jokes they did is just plain stupid. Local dj's don't crack jokes when people lose their homes from tornadoes. But, they get tornadoes and understand that scenario. Hey, I grew up in California, and I understood two things, wildfires and earthquakes. I was really irked by these morons (can you tell?) and wish I'd had the opportunity to put them in their place (of course, it's not my place). All that just to make themselves appear to be funny. Well, I've got news for ya Kid Craddock, you're not.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Good news gaming buddies..

I read some great news today (I know it's late) that my gaming buddies will be more than happy to know. Yup, we rock out frequently to the original Guitar Hero and Guitar Hero II (well, as much rocking as could be expected, but hey, it's better than playing air!). Anyway, with the release date for Guitar Hero III just a few days away, RedOctane IS releasing a version for the PS2. We originally thought only the newest consoles (PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii) were privied to the awesomeness of Guitar Hero III, but no. So, friends, Kaleigh, Hannah and Ryan, on October 28th we'll be rocking, together! Yea!

Fun evening with Japanese drummers

Last night, the family headed over to Jesse Auditorium (MU) to watch the Drummers of Japan perform. Officially known as Yamato: Drummers of Japan, this group of talented musicians were simpy amazing. The evening began with the resonating percussion of the odaiko, a "big, fat drum" made from a huge tree more than 400 years old, and continued for an hour long display of technical skill, strength and musical chemistry. If you haven't seen these folks perform, I'd highly recommend it. Even Isa enjoyed herself. She was especially fond of the crowd participation requested by the drummers to compliment the show and the bit of humor and personality displayed. These weren't the stoic, serious Japanese bores, in fact, they blended precision with playfulness and enjoyment. Truly made for a fun family evening.

For the record, I wasn't too excited about it. It was Matt's suggestion and a good one at that.

College and debt

So, most of you know that I'm a big fan of Dave Ramsey. It's safe to say that Matt and I have bought in to his message and drink the Kool-aid. And, quite honestly, it tastes so sweet. In the few years that we've been on the DR plan, we're moving closer and closer to what DR calls financial peace. In fact, we get to feel it every once in a while whenever emergencies arise simply by having the cash to keep Murphy in his place.

As much as I admire Dave Ramsey, I'm a bit disappointed in him. What? Me? That's right. Let me explain.

Dave offers youth his financial curriculum to help them learn money management tools that's not sponsored by a bank or credit card company. Isn't that crazy? That public schools allow companies like Visa to teach our kids how to handle money. And, we allow it. So, I was excited when I learned that DR has his own curriculum that comes from a consumer perspective, not some financial institution that benefits from teaching kids to borrow money.

Matt and I had the privilege of sitting in one the sessions at our church who are offering Financial Peace for the Next Generation. The video series is the same as Financial Peace University but with youth-oriented intro music and graphics. The workbook questions are also geared more for that age group. But, and that's a big but. I'm disappointed that the actual video content isn't geared to youth.

If you haven't watched any of the video lessons, there are a few things that these kids mentioned in the small group session following the clip, and I have to say that I feel their concerns are valid. Here's what the kids say:

What's with the audience of 'old' people?
This is the question that kicked off the small group session. And, to be honest, how are kids gonna relate to these lessons when the material is obviously aimed at an older audience?

It seems some of the content is geared more for older folks, what applies to me and what doesn't?
This question followed the first. I have to agree. Although most of the content is useful, the fact that you can tell DR isn't speaking to youth can inhibit the learning process. These are youth, they're not thinking about marriage and mortgage debt. It's good to know, but it's not geared to their specific concerns.

As much as I love DR, I think these concerns should be addressed. Especially if these kids are going to be reached before the credit sharks get to them. How can the curriculum be changed to more effectively reach youth? These are my suggestions:

Create a video series specifically targeting youth.
That includes Dave addressing an audience of kids and their specific concerns, which include:

  • In depth discussion about student loans and alternatives to borrowing money.

  • Less discussion about marriage and money, but addressing how money plays an important role in relationships.

  • Why credit scores matter and don't.

  • Teach the Drive Free, Retire Rich principle.



Not that this will happen, but I think it's important to reach youth at their level. Don't you?

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Nearly half of Americans caught in media spin

I have to say, Americans quite gullible when it comes to politics and the economy. Most of them believe the hype the media creates on a daily basis. And today, I have proof. The CNN Political Ticker posted today that Nearly half think U.S. in recession. Three questions the article never cleared up, and it's a fricking news site: 1) Do the Americans polled know what a recession is?, 2) Why divide the results by only black and white Americans?, 3) This topic belongs in the business section of the site, so why is it in politics? I can answer these questions and I'm not a journalist.

Firstly, if you look at the economy from a neutral perspective. Not republican or democrat, the economy is doing well. Aside from the subprime crap, people can still get mortgages, credit card debt is still growing (which means people are spending), and my 401k is going up in value, not down. Of course, the media will tell you the economy stinks and that it's George Bush's fault. That's about as true as me saying I'm white. I smell an election year, don't you?

Secondly, leave it to the media to play the race card. And, where the heck is the hispanic consensus? If you're going to claim to be fair, make sure that an accurate perspectus is represented.

Thirdly, I know it's an election year by the hint that the economy is in a recssion. No president has sole control over the state of the economy, only the amount of debt we go into or get out of (in Bush's case, definitely in). And, I don't think that'll change if a democrat gets voted into office.

Ugh, I hate to talk politics. But when it comes to inaccuracy from a news site, well, it just ticks me off. I suppose it's to be expected, especially from the Clinton News Network*, er, I mean CNN.

Source: Nearly half think U.S. in recession

*That's what my Army buddy called it. :)

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Dave's right, cash is king

I saw this article on CNNmoney this morning that reinforced Dave Ramsey's message of being debt free, even in business. Money Magazine editor Michael Sivy highlighted four American businesses that will beat the recent credit crunch. Which businesses did he mention? Staples, Johnson & Johnson, Illinois Tool Works, and Microsoft.

With banks and lenders tightening up their wallets, companies that rely heavily on credit for growth are having a tough time acquiring capital. "By contrast, businesses with plenty of cash or pristine balance sheets that make them attractive borrowers will be able to expand, acquire weaker players and take advantage of other opportunities."

That's exactly where these four companies fall. They have little debt, with the exception of Microsoft with none, and have tremendous growth potential as a result.

Tell me cash isn't king..

Source: 4 bargains that can beat the credit crunch

Monday, October 15, 2007

Journaling

I was encouraged by our Recovery class leaders to start journaling. According to Dana and Kim, journaling will help us identify and process through feelings we experience throughout the day or in the past. As a warning, I'll be doing some of that on my blog as I think about things. What happens a lot, for me at least, is that I think about things and need to write it down, but I'm at work. So, the easiest way for me to process is this blog.

I'd like to initiate this whole journaling process with my thoughts on this weekend's service at church. Piet kicked off a 2-part series on trust, titled The Speed of Trust, that spoke to my core. Piet talked about how trust is built in relationships and how it's directly linked to being a person of integrity. The message gave me so much to think about in terms of integrity, character and competency. The latter two being keys to defining a person of integrity. Piet challenged us to be more proactive about becoming people of character and competency. To be proactive about how that all plays out in our daily lives. From waking up in the morning to the alarm clock, eating breakfast, spending some time with God, and so on. Piet talked about how easy it is for us to break commitments to ourselves and how broken promises are hindering our development of integrity in our lives. He definitely gave enough for people to chew on and process.

Piet reinforced his message with a verse that fit perfectly into all of this.
"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." (James 1:22 NIV)

----------------------------------

This weekend's message: The Speed of Trust, Pieter van Waarde (mp3)

Mi abuela (update) 2

Great news! My abuelita is out of ICU, breathing on her own, and talking. Praise God! I know I have friends out there that have been praying for her. Thanks!

Friday, October 12, 2007

When life happens

I got up late this morning and had to rush to work. I was listening to the local DJ on the way and zoned out in the conversation. I pulled into the parking lot and found a great spot. Not princess parking, but not crappy either. I work for a large company so finding a close space is great. Anyway, I pulled into the space and listened to the DJ chatting with his co-host as I gathered my stuff to take into the office.

With all my stuff together, I got out of the car, locked and closed the door. As soon as I did, I noticed that the car was still running. "Oh no," I thought. Not only did I leave the keys in the ignition, but I left the car running as well. I couldn't believe it. How in the world...? Ugh.

The good thing is that Matt has to come through this way on his way to drop off Isa at daycare. So, I called him and told him what happened. He laughed and said he'd come by in a bit. I knew it would be a while so I ran into work to check email and tell the boss why I was late. I grabbed some coffee as well (it's chilly outside today).

Matt did come by a little later and I was able to get my keys out.

Mi abuela (update)

I got some great news from my brother last night. Our abuelita Carmen was taken off the respirator and breathing on her own. She had her eyes open too. I just wanted to say a quick thank you for to our friends for your continued prayer.

Monday, October 8, 2007

Mi abuela (my grandmother)

I was told last week that my abuelita (grandmother) was diagnosed with lung cancer. It made me very sad. She's not very old, in my mind at least, she's 78. I know her health hasn't been great, but she has been better. A few years ago she was diagnosed with diabetes and has done a decent job of managing it.

The last time I went to visit her, it's been a couple of years, she told us that she had fallen on her daily walk to get her abarrotes. Abarrotes are groceries. Anyway, the walk to the store is no picnic. There's a steep ravine between her house and the store, and the path isn't even at all. She fell and broke her ankle that day, a compound fracture. It broke my heart just thinking about that happening to her. Seeing her that moment, she was healing just nicely, walking with a cane and bruising still visible on her ankle.

Getting the news last week made me miss home. I've been trying to keep up with her condition, but results of her biopsy weren't going to be ready until Friday (last week). I waited, and no call Friday. Saturday, halfway through my workout, my sister called. The results were clear, no cancer or tuberculosis. Great news I thought! But, then Vero (my sister) told me that abuela had a blood transfusion Friday night, and it didn't go as expected. She is now in ICU, sedated and hooked up to a respirator.

As of Sunday, no big changes, but dad told me she looked better. They were going back tonight after work to check in on her and help relieve my tia Emma. My tia has been at my abuela's side the whole time. She's missed work for the last two weeks to be with her. I can't say enough about my tia, a working single mom with a 'crazy' teenage son.

I'm not writing to ask for sympathy but to help me deal with the emotion of having a grandmother nearing the end of her life and knowing that she doesn't know Jesus. I plan on flying out there, and will have a more definitive time after I talk to my dad tonight. I hope.

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Recovery revelation

One of the things I thought I'd never do is take a class about feelings. But, Kim, our staff contact for FPU wanted all of the small group leaders in FPU to go through the Recovery class at church. Since Matt and I are the ministry leaders for FPU, we felt we had no option but to go through it.

The specific class we're taking is called Making Peace with your Past, using Tim Sledge's workbook pictured above. I have to be honest and say that I wasn't looking forward to it and after the first two weeks regretted signing up. Not that I don't think the class is beneficial to our spiritual and mental well-being, but I hate dredging up things in my past that I have already processed. With Matt's help and some close friends throughout my life, I have been fortunate to talk about the things that affected me as a kid, how I was raised and the abuse I was subjected to.

I know I'm not perfect, but I have been able to deal with the things of my past and understand how they have affected me and influenced who I am today. With that said, I am an emotional person. Last night, as I shared about my relationship with Matt, I became a bit emotional. Enough so that it prompted Dana to ask some questions as to where that comes from. At first, I didn't know how to respond. What is it that makes me emotional? Especially when I talk about Matt. I've always just made the excuse that I'm a pretty emotional person. Matt will testify to that. But, what is at the core of those feelings? And what are they exactly?

It wasn't until further into the discussion that it came to me. I'm afraid of losing Matt. Not in the sense that I am dependent on him for survival, but in that he is truly my soulmate. Dana asked me if I felt I deserve Matt, and I answered quickly, no. But, I don't feel that way because I think he's better than me. The best way I can describe it is that I feel I don't deserve him just like I don't deserve God's grace and forgiveness, in humility. Even after this revelation, fear of loss, I could not figure out what was at the core of that.

We finished class and the question lingered. I spoke with Amy and Sarah on the way home about class and my breakthrough. And, God revealed why I'm afraid of losing Matt. It makes so much sense and is so obvious that I just never think about it. See, if you knew about Matt and I, you'd know that we've been through some rough times. A month and a half into our marriage, Matt had to have a kidney transplant. Not a year later, he underwent another surgery to repair his lung. The fear of losing him has always been there, it's real. I just never vocalized it or recognized that it affects me and our relationship. In a good way at least.

Let's just say, I feel better about the class.

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Dove: Onslaught

A while back, Dove released a commercial/video called Evolution. In this short clip, audiences are given a glimpse into the evolution of a hagard woman to a beautiful model. It speaks truth as to what society has come to regard real beauty. With this new clip, titled Onslaught, Dove has succesfully depicted the barage of crap young girls are subjected to by the media. And we wonder why girls hold the likes of Paris Hilton and Britney Spears in high regard. I think it's time for parents to stand up and be parents.

Related posts:
Sexualization of girls

Another yummy recipe

Jody, the girls and Liam came over last night and brought dinner with them. Jody and I are both single momma's for a few days (Jody until Sunday) so we're trying to help each other out. So, last night Jody slaved over her oven and brought over Baked Chicken Parmesan from the Eating for Life book. Eating for Life is the cookbook for the Body for Life program. It has lots of delicious recipes that are not only good for you, but are quick and easy. This recipe is one of my favorites.

Among my other favorites from Eating for Life: Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, Santa Fe Chicken Soup, Tropical Tuna Sandwich, Eggcelent Enchiladas, Mom's Chicken Enchiladas, Chicken Pita Pizza, Spaghetti and Meatballs, and many more.

If you'd like to try the Baked Chicken Parmesan, you can find the recipe here. I highly recommend it. If you'd like to check out some other recipes, simply visit EatingforLife.com.

Monday, October 1, 2007

Need to get naked?


On Saturday, a friend of mine introduced me to Naked Juice. C'mon now, get your mind out of the gutter. Hah. The name does send off some rather non-family friendly vibes, but it is a good product. At least the 2 flavors I've tried, Orange & Mango Motion and Protein Zone.

With the fitness challenge in full fledge, I was interested in the protein drink which contains protein soy an whey, along with the one pound of fruit that each and every bottle of Naked Juice boasts. The drinks are all-natural, with no preservatives and no sugar added. Protein Zone, as I finish off my second bottle, is a great option for meal replacements. My goal for the 12-week challenge is to consume five to six portion-sized meals each day. By adding Protein Zone to my options, it has made it easy to meet that daily goal.

I'm interested in trying some of the other flavors, but, with each 15.2 fluid ounce bottle running anywhere from $2 to $3.50, I'm content with simply adding them to my daily meal plan. I am looking into having a relative stop by the local club store to check out the pricing available there. If it's worth it, I'll definitely take that option.