Life On Mars

Hello All,

Hi!!! I hope that each of you had a wonderful week and that this week is off to a smashing start for you. I had a great week, and now looking forward to a swift week and a nice weekend. Today’s blog title is brought to you by David Bowie as sometime I do feel as I live on Mars…so with that…I will jump into it.

Erika’s 10 Things I Think I Think – The Vegas Version pt 1 (pt 2 in two weeks)

1. The McCarran airport is one of the weirdest airports ever. Not a big fan of flying into Las Vegas…at all.

2. It is HELL trying to catch a cab from the airport to a hotel in Vegas. So many people vying for one that there is a long line and it is utterly ridiculous.
3. I thought Phoenix was bad with our construction,,,Las Vegas might be the absolute worse. They have construction all along Las Vegas Blvd and it slows traffic down in both directions…not that it wasn’t slow before…but damn.
4. Club Tryst was the coolest club I have ever been to…it was amazing! The ONLY complaint I have about the place…is the overpriced drinks. Not that we had to buy many (only the first, the rest were taken care of by some random guy we didn’t know) but 4 drinks were $76 dollars…ridiculous. Oh well, it was a memorable night.

5. I can’t lie…watching people fall while dancing is amazing. We counted a total of 11 people in just over 3 hours that fell…hard. It was probably the most hilarious thing I have ever seen in Las Vegas.

6. In nearly 50 trips to Las Vegas since I was 21…this is the first trip where I didn’t spend one dollar gambling. I mean…wow. I didn’t even play one slot machine. Not that I really had time, but I always at least play a couple of hands of Blackjack. Won’t make that a normal thing…I go back to Las Vegas next weekend the 31st.
7. I always thought Scottsdale was the douchebag capital of the world. WRONG. Las Vegas is. The guys in there with the popped collars, double popped collars, super awesome spiked hair, and…the f’ing sunglasses indoors…amazing! We saw at least 2000 people in two days wearing sunglasses indoors…at night. YAY for douchebags….

8. Club Pure at Caesars might be the worst club ever….and we didn’t even get into the door. V and I were there and they wanted guys to stand in one line and women the other…well we didn’t last long there, we left. It was stupid of them to do that. Plus going to the other clubs…between 20-30 dollars for a cover charge for both men and women is stupid.
9. The Eiffel Tower drink at the Paris Hotel….well it got us pretty drunk. We were already a little tipsy, but that put us over the top. Since we couldn’t get into any clubs we decided to walk around and get drunk…worked!
10. I think that Las Vegas is one of my favorite places in the world to visit…and this trip was extra special because it was the first trip with my girlfriend. I had an absolute blast with her and am looking forward to many more trips in the future…starting with our next adventure at the end of this month.

Rachael Real Moment – The wedding was fun! I surprisingly had a good time. It was more fun for me as I rarely get to see my parents, but I saw my grandmother and my favorite nephew Silas. Of course with every wedding there is some form of stress and this one was no different…but they worked through it. The wedding went off without a hitch (although because of a freak flash flood…it rained and I was late to the wedding…of course the mother of the bride was about ½ hour behind us, so I was cool). Also my parents got to meet V. they LOVED her, which wasn’t surprising. Even now they call and before they even ask how I am doing, they have been asking about her! They wish they had a little bit more time to get to know her, but of what they know about her…they are happy for the both of us and can’t wait to spend more time with us! It went exactly how I thought it would and I am grateful they got to meet her as they don’t make it down to the States much. Of course…my father being the prankster that he is…always believed I would end up with a Redskins fan…so when I got up from the reception table he tells V to tell me “I have something to tell you…I’m a Redskins fan.” To which I didn’t flinch because she already told me that she liked the Cardinals. But her saying that was obviously hilarious for my dad, he enjoyed every moment of it.

Eugene Sports thought of the Day – Congratulations to Team Redemption. Last night’s game was one of the best we played and since I hate the team we played…it was extra special to beat them 27-6. And even the touchdown they scored was b.s. We need to come out with the same intensity next week (minus the 40 mph wind we played in). It was nice to come together as a team…let’s keep the momentum going. Eugene you threw the hell out of the ball last night…even through the hellish wind. Bravo man…

Pete Thought of The Day – A mini rant for a second. As I have stated many of times…I don’t care what anyone thinks of me. However…if you have an opinion of me…keep it to yourself. I don’t need to hear it. If I do hear it…know that I will have something to say about it…and I will not be nice, nor will I bite my tongue when I say whatever it is I say back. I try to generally be nice to everybody, but there are a few people in this world who are always going to be “bitches” and I try to avoid them at all costs, but every once in a while those “bitches” cross the path I am traveling…and well…you have to do what you have to do. So to recap, don’t be a dickhead to me, and I won’t wreck your world with my verbal assault.

Mindy Moment – I often times wish there were more hours in a day. Not to work, not to lounge around the house, but to spend more time with friends and my love (more of her than anyone). Just seems that by the time I look up at the clock, the day is half complete and it is time for me to get to bed. I spend so much time writing, or doing other film work that it’s just not possible to get everything done and see the people that mean the most to me. DAMNIT! I need Hiro Nakamura’s power….

Julie Happy Thought of the Day – I guess the only thing that I want to say here…is that it’s nice to be loved and to love someone back. Every day is much better than the previous one and she is just a pure joy to be around and to talk to. I am grateful for this moment in my life and cherish all of the moments that have happened and that will happen. I am as happy as I could possibly be in my life….I love her…she is pretty damn special

Tracy Tad Bit O’Knowledge – Wouldn’t it be nice if irresponsible people…somehow became responsible and woke the hell up to a reality filled world. A lot of people I know fall into the irresponsible category and they do the “leap before they look” and often times fail to realize the consequences of their actions…and only when it is too late…do they realize what exactly they are doing…so today’s knowledge…look before you leap…because the bottom of the cavern comes up a lot faster than you realize.

Misty Movie Reviews –

We are Wizards – It’s kind of a nerdy movie…but it’s pretty cool. It’s a documentary about Harry Potter. Harry Potter fans get their own close-up. It’s a pretty neat documentary that talks about some of the characters in the movies. I enjoyed it. I give it 3 stars.

JJ Song of the Week – Today’s song is by one of my favorite groups…the Fray. It was featured in Transformers Revenge of the Fallen. It’s called Never Say Never.

I think it is a sweet/awesome song and one that I love to listen to….plus as I said…it’s in Transformers…that should be enough cause that movie is D-O-P-E!

Mary Random Facts –
1. In Hartford, Conn., you aren't allowed to cross a street while walking on your hands.
2. Peter Falk, the actor who played 'Colombo', has a glass eye.
3. Approximately 50% of Americans admit they have run a red light.
4. Chevy Chase's real first name is Cornelius.
5. Walt Disney was afraid of mice
6. Michael Jordan makes more money from "Nike" annually than all of the Nike factory workers in Malaysia combined.
7. President Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909) became the first president to travel outside the US when he visited Panama.
8. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr were the two left-handed Beatles.
9. George Washington had to borrow money to go to his own inauguration.
10. Arnold Schwarzenegger once appeared on an edition of TV's 'The Dating Game' in 1972

11. Chuck Norris Fact of the day – Outer space exists because it's afraid to be on the same planet with Chuck Norris.
12. Bonus Chuck Norris Fact: Chuck Norris was the fourth wise man, who gave baby Jesus the gift of beard, which he carried with him until he died. The other three wise men were enraged by the preference that Jesus showed to Chuck's gift, and arranged to have him written out of the bible. All three died soon after of mysterious roundhouse-kick related injuries.

Hulu Pick of the Day – Is this show called Merlin. It is loosely based on King Arthur’s tales and is told from the point of view of Merlin the Wizard. It has its moments where it is awfully shaky, but overall the show is actually pretty good. Produced by the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) it features an all British Cast. I like it and hope that you do as well!

Video Links – (powered by Break.Com and Youtube.Com and Hulu.Com) This just proves I have too much time on my hands….
MadTV Shatner – (3:45) YouTube
Friends Bloopers Part 3/3 (4:06) YouTube
America's Got Talent: Bri's Performance (2:20) Hulu
World's Second Largest Aquarium in HD (4:33) Break
Guy Rules At Everything (4:19)

Jordan Quote of the week – Plain and simple:

What would you attempt to do…if you knew you could not fail?

One of my favorite sayings that I live by each and every day.

V Spanish Word of the Day –Today’s word: limpiar

Limpiar – It means to clean. As in I have to clean the house before my the weekend gets here.

Which I really do need to clean...my place is half disaster/half organized…

Coming Attractions –
Today – I am in the office “working.” I only had a few hours of sleep so a nap is in order and then a trip to the gym. Guess I should check the mail…haven’t done that in about 2 weeks. Hopefully it’s still raining when I leave today. It was raining pretty hard on my way into work…Also will be writing and cleaning…exciting.
Wednesday – In the office. Normally working from home, but this week in the office. Yay!
Thursday – Working at home on this day. Working on video projects and writing. Cleaning the carpets in my place…yay?
Friday– Working at home. Hanging with Jordan. Going to the Diamondbacks game later in the evening.

The end - Of the blog is here! I hope that each of you have a wonderful day and that your week goes by so smoothly and quickly so that we can call get to the most satisfying part of it…the weekend.…Thank you so much for reading…keep smiling…God Bless…I love you…

Hanging Tough

Hello All,
I hope that each of you had a wonderful and safe weekend full of fun and pure awesomeness! I had a great week last week…saw a concert and a rare baseball game in person with great high school friends. And I got to come home to enjoy a wonderful game night with amazingly great friends. Today’s blog title is brought to you by NKOTB. So with that, I will jump right into it…

Erika’s 10 Things I Think I Think (11 today) – The travel version

1. I WISH I would have gotten a picture of the guy with the SWEET Unibrow, handlebar moustache, sideburn chop combo. I don’t think there is/was anyone cooler than that guy.
2. I didn’t know that summer in San Francisco talk…mean cold…ass…weather. I have never seen so many people walking around one town with JACKETS on in the SUMMER time. I am glad and thankful I was smart enough to pack a jacket.

3. Yes, for those that do not know, I attended a New Kids on the Block concert….and regardless of what anyone thinks of me (note: I do not care what any one’s opinion is…at all, nor have I ever cared) I actually had a good time. At the end of my lifetime, I will be able to say I did things not many else would dare do and that I lived each day to the fullest. Say what you want about me...but until you've walked 30 feet in my shoes (not even a mile) you don't really know what i've been through the last year and how fragile and short I believe life to be.
4. I can now say that #671 (of 1000) can successfully be crossed off of my list of things to do in life and that is: “To attend a concert I have no business being at.” Speaking of my life list…it really has some of the most ridiculous things on there…some of which I try to complete at least 40-50 items per year. Some of the things on the list #71 spend a night in jail (not completed) #37 get into a fight…and lose. (fight club, not completed) #9 win an oscar (not completed) #137 take a pregnancy test (completed, not pregnant obviously…and this one was really funny.) #777 go bungee jumping (not completed) #562 swim with the sharks (not completed). The higher the risk, the greater the number.
5. I think the best part of the concert was before it ever got started and that was in the VIP area. Seriously out of about 400 women….there was one guy…me. We got to meet the New Kids on the Block and Donnie was by far the coolest/most laid back of all of them. He greeted our group of 10, hugged everyone (man half hug for me) and worked the room. Jordan was the next coolest and when I told him that he was my girlfriends favorite and showed him a picture his response “Damn…she’s hot.” Of course somehow word spread throughout the VIP area that Jordan thought my girlfriend was hot…so most of the girls saw the picture and all agreed. We received gift bags (note: I did not keep mine as the contents were NOT guy friendly). Got a picture with the group (this picture is not available yet) and well the free drinks were great (note: I had 11 beers in just under an hour…yes…I was deeply intoxicated).

6. I am thankful to the man who invented earplugs. I put mine in after Jesse McCartney took the stage (before the NKOTB) did and I was NOT deaf after the concert. 50,000 screaming women in the venue and I barely heard them.
7. Off all the songs performed by the NKOTB, I believe I only knew about 5. Including the Right Stuff, Hanging Tough, Single, Summer Time, and Closer (3 of which are new)
8. Nothing like having amazing seats at a concert. We sat close enough to see everything without obstructed views. I guess had we sat further back…I would have lost interest. I have a short attention span….and as you all know…I get bored really easy.

9. To the guy in the men’s restroom at Momo’s after the baseball game who felt the need to 1. Talk to me and 2. To hit on me and ask me to a “men’s only club” (as he so eloquently put it)…that is NOT cool on either account. The words NEVER and IN and MY and LIFETIME could not escape my mouth faster.
10. I sure did miss the heck out of my girlfriend. We did talk several times per day and text each other…but it’s not the same. A forewarning…our relationship is a great one, but right now it is under wraps for a few reasons, but the day that it is no longer…there will be a blog strictly about her. This is a warning. I think it’s already entitled “Knock You Down.” So…yeah…just warning you. You may want to skip that one if you don’t like to read sappy lovey dovey stuff.
11. Coming home to go to game night on Saturday night was fun! I got to meet Sheena’s wonderful husband Manuel, V’s good friend Krystel and her husband Mike (who not only made the best brownies ever, but was funny as HELL) and a few other people (sorry terrible with names) but they were all really nice and it made a great week…into an awesome week. It is always good to see good friends and make new ones!

Rachael Real Moment – San Francisco… So yeah…a New Kids on the Block concert. I own up to it, I went…and had a TON of fun…unexpectedly of course. I thought it would just be the band singing a few songs, but unexpectedly the Jabbawockeez were there and Jesse McCartney was as well. It was cool being in the V.I.P. area. Never been important enough to be in those areas. Meeting the band was cool as I stated before. I told Donnie that I thought he was a great actor…especially in my FAVORITE mini-series of all time…Band Of Brothers. Jordan was Cool as well. The others…didn’t talk to them that much. The concert itself was good. I got bored at one point and really zoned out. The girls around us were shrieking and freaking out. There were older women (I saw some as old as 70 possibly) and younger (maybe as old as 4 or 5) and there were surprisingly a lot of guys in the crowd. The other parts of the weekend I got to see wonderful high school friends (MacKenzie, Erika, Heather, Andrea Abegg, and Jenny Noeldner), sleep in, drink, and just enjoy a part of the country I rarely visit. My high school is one that was small and close knit, so we all generally keep in touch and it is always, always good to see my high school friends (and some were middle school friends as well). I got to see the beach…although it was cold as hell, and other parts of San Francisco.

Eugene Sports thought of the Day – #725 on my life’s list of things to see…is now complete. And that…was to see a no-hitter in person. One in which I NEVER thought I would see. Weeks ago I asked to go to the baseball game because I saw Randy Johnson was pitching (I have seen Randy Johnson pitch in 7 different cities) so I thought it would be cool to see him. Well…he got hurt last week and this guy Jonathan Sanchez who was 2-7 with a 5.30 ERA ...steps in. In the first few innings, dude was dealing some heat. And even through the 7th inning I was not convinced it would happen as a No-Hitter had been broken up just the day before in the same ballpark between the same teams in the 8th inning (note: by this time this guy Lee and I were patrolling around the park looking for shots and finally we settled on shots of Vodka…yuck.) By the first half of the 8th inning we were back and we watched what could have been a PERFECT game ruined by a dropped ball in the infield. Then the 9th inning, the place was electric. Only about 25,000 people were in attendance, but by the 9th inning, I swear every seat was filled. 1, 2, 3 outs later…No Hitter complete. The place was on FIRE! I am happy for the guy. His father flew in to visit him and saw the game…and history also. First Giants pitcher to have a no hitter since 1976. Amazing! And I was there to witness it….I often think about how things work out…and I always know that God puts us in the right places at the right time. (This is an actual picture from the game to the right of this link)

Pete Thought of The Day – Mini-Rant for a second. I hold grudges…badly. When people upset me or make me mad (that is a funny looking word for the record), I hold grudges. I don’t ask a lot from anyone…I do more for a lot of my friends than a normal friend would…and when I ask them to do something and it doesn’t happen or they go against my wishes of what I ask them to do or NOT to do…I get angry and I hold a serious grudge. I know, I know…forgive and forget…but it is very hard to do that especially because I give so much. I think sometimes people take my niceness as a sign of weakness and try to push my buttons and get away with things. I will not tolerate it. I am NOT a pushover and you will feel my wrath if you decide to test my limits. When I have had my say….leave me alone and allow me to get over it without constantly asking “are you mad? Are you O.k.?” That “ish” alone will cause me to keep being pissed off and the longer it drags on…the closer you are to losing me as a friend. Rant over.

Mindy Moment – 3 years since I have been in a meaningful relationship. Built a lot of friendships with both men and women. But there are some things that need to change. I hold my current relationship near and dear to me. This relationship is one that I have waited for all of my life. It has everything that I could truly have dreamed of in my lifetime…a.k.a….my dream girl. So with that, I must excuse myself from a few things including closing the offices of one Black Dr. Phil, and being overly friendly. I will still be your friend, but the dynamics of my life have changed for the better and I realize that sometimes things that I say and do can be misconstrued especially towards women and I do not want to make my girlfriend feel uncomfortable or uneasy. So understand where I am coming from.

Julie Happy Thought of the Day – I am excited about the trip to Vegas this weekend to see my brother Michael get married. This is a day I NEVER thought would come. My parents (who are surprisingly doing well considering the year we’ve all had) will be there and they get to meet my girlfriend for the first time. That is exciting and makes me nervous at the same time. My brother Michael met her on Sunday. Plus I haven’t been to Vegas in a while and it’s always, always a good time. First time going with my parents since like 2001 and my favorite nephew of all time will be there, Silas (my younger brother Mario’s son.) So exciting all around!

Tracy Tad Bit O’Knowledge – It happens to everyone else and I make fun of them. Epic Fail. So I will call myself out. 3 EPIC FAILS in less than 12 hours.

1. Last night as I walked my girlfriend out to her car, I wanted to run to my car afterwards to get Jordan’s lunch box out of the car and to get some detergent out and have enough time to wave at her as she passed by…well I ran through the rocks, somehow hit this gigantic tree stump…and nearly tripped and killed myself (note: I did NOT fall) but I did rip the entire front skin off of my big toe and half the nail. EPIC FAIL 1. Took me half an hour to get the skin off and clean up the affected area.
2. This morning…cooking eggs for Jordan. Put them in the skillet and after a few minutes wondered why they weren’t cooking…dumb me forgot to turn on the stove. EPIC FAIL 2
3. Occurred right afterwards as I realized I did not put any cooking spray on the skillet to keep the eggs from burning. EPIC FAIL 3. Had to make a new batch.

There I called myself out.

Misty Movie Reviews –

Last of The Mohicans - (Note the link to the left takes you to the feature film on HULU.). I first saw this movie in 10th grade in my history class. For anyone that knew Mrs. Wilbanks, she had a thing for Daniel Day Lewis and by thing, I think she would have raped him if given the opportunity. Either way, this movie…amazing. I love everything about it. Daniel Day Lewis is such a bad ass in this movie. A period piece about three trappers that protect a British Colonel’s daughter in the French and Indian war. Such a great movie. 5 stars for sure.

Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey – (Note: The link to the left takes you to the feature film on HULU.) Want to laugh at dumb stuff…give this a watch. I happen to love this movie. It certainly takes you back to when Keanu was virtually a stoner. Plus…they meet the easter bunny in this one! Awesome. 3 stars!

JJ Song of the Week – Today’s song is one of my favorites of all time. It’s a song that reminds you to always look toward the future, never give up…and to keep your eyes on your prize…because no one can steal your dream.

Aerosmith’s Dream On from the 1993 Album Aerosmith.

Mary Random Facts – Some useless facts for your everyday life....

1. Of is the only word in which an "f" is pronounced like a "v".
2. Balneology is the science of swimming pools.
3.Toronto, Ontario was home to the biggest swimming pool in the world in 1925. It held 2000 swimmers, and was 300ft x 75ft. It is still in operation.
4. The Olympic was the sister ship of the Titanic, and she provided twenty-five years of service.
5. Slot Machines: When you rearrange the letters: "Cash Lost in 'em"
6. A Decimal Point: When you rearrange the letters: "I'm a Dot in Place
7. Nutmeg is extremely poisonous if injected intravenously.
8. The fingerprints of koala bears are virtually indistinguishable from those of humans, so much so that they could be confused at a crime scene.
9. Months that begin on a Sunday will always have a "Friday the 13th
10. Bulletproof glass really isn't. Repetitive attacks will eventually penetrate the glass, but it does offer a little time to get
11. Chuck Norris Fact of the day – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is based on a true story: Chuck Norris once swallowed a turtle whole, and when he crapped it out, the turtle was six feet tall and had learned karate.
12. Bonus Chuck Norris Fact: Chuck Norris doesn't shower, he only takes blood baths.

Hulu Pick of the Day – Is this show called WareHouse 13. It’s about these two Secret Service Agents recruited to take care of weird and unexplained phenomena living in our society. These artifacts pop up all over the U.S. and are housed in a warehouse in South Dakota. They artifacts are alien or supernatural in nature. The show was certainly interesting. You can catch the 2 hour series premiere on the link above.

Video Links – (powered by Break.Com and Youtube.Com and Hulu.Com) This just proves I have WAAAAAY too much time on my hands….

America’s Got Talent Million Dollar Act an amazing illusion (2:45) Hulu
My son Jordan in the car… (:35) Youtube
Vodka tricks (1:10) Break
Garbage can full of water (2:29) Break

Jordan Quote of the week –

"If a man does his best, what else is there?"
- General George S. Patton (1885-1945)

"Do, or do not. There is no 'try'."
- Yoda ('The Empire Strikes Back')

V Spanish Word of the Day –The V word of the day exists because randomly my beautiful hispanic girlfriend will break out a spanish word in the middle of an english sentence and I am like whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat!?

Today’s word: pata

Pata – As in foot. As in my Pata hurts. (which it really does…stupid tree stump).

Coming Attractions –

Today – I am in the office today. I am working, but not really working. Hitting the gym after work and doing some cleaning of my desk at home. Possibly rearranging the place. Cooking dinner (spaghetti) and hanging with Jordan.
Wednesday – At home working. Probably surfing HULU all day. Yep, I think that sums it up. Hanging with Jordan.
Thursday – In the office. I have to pick up like 6 tuxedos for the wedding. Yay for me?
Friday– In the office, blogging I think. Off to Vegas in the afternoon. Then I think there is a bachelor party.
Saturday – Sleeping in, hanging with family, picking up my girlfriend from the airport and going to a wedding. I don’t foresee much sleep this night.
Sunday – an early morning flight back to Phoenix (I think we leave at 8) followed by a random day of sleeping and not doing much else.

The end - Of the blog is here! I hope that each of you have a wonderful day and that your week goes by so smoothly and quickly so that we can call get to the best part…the weekend. Thank you so much for reading…keep smiling…God bless you…I love you…